When you imagine your perfect beach day, the first thing that comes to mind is likely spending the day enjoying the surf, sand and sun. However, one aspect many people overlook as part of their beach day is staying hydrated. Drinking enough water at the beach can keep you comfortable and refreshed throughout the day.
The human body is about 60% water, making it vital that you replenish your water levels regularly to prevent dehydration. During a summer day at the beach, you are likely moving and sweating a lot, which can increase your risk of dehydration if you do not replenish your body regularly. Some of the other benefits of staying hydrated include:
Feeling thirsty isn’t always a reliable way to tell if you need to drink water, as many people only start to feel thirsty once they’re already dehydrated. Consider some of the signs of dehydration:
Knowing how to stay hydrated at the beach involves more than drinking large amounts of water. Here are some of the top summer hydration tips.
It’s a good idea to start hydrating before stepping on the beach. Start drinking more water at least one or two days before your beach trip to keep your body well-hydrated and help you cope better with the heat and sun exposure.
In addition to snacks, you want to ensure you have enough water for your entire day at the beach. However, if you are highly active, you should plan on drinking more. Bringing a cooler with ice will make sure you have a convenient way to carry all of your water and keep it cool and refreshing throughout the day.
If you have limited space or know there is someplace to refill your water bottle throughout the day, you can bring a reusable water bottle. This can reduce plastic waste and make it easier to see how much water you drink throughout the day. Make sure you choose an option that keeps your water nice and cool.
Between playing in the water, building sandcastles and checking out the Boardwalk, there’s a lot going on during your day at the beach. Setting reminders or downloading a hydration app can help you remember to drink water throughout the day.
While you relax on the beach, you may want to indulge in a soda or alcoholic beverage. While it’s completely OK to enjoy these drinks, alternate them with water so you can still have your beverage and stay hydrated.
The color of your urine is an excellent indicator of your hydration levels, and keeping an eye on it throughout the day makes it easy to determine if you need more water. Darker urine can indicate you’re dehydrated, while completely clear water may show overhydration.
Drinking water is a great way to stay healthy at the beach, but drinking unsafe water can quickly undo your hydration efforts. As you plan your drinks throughout the day, you will want to consider:
In addition to fluids, you can stay hydrated by eating certain foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers and oranges. These foods have high water content and can impact your overall hydration levels.
Using a fun water bottle can make drinking water more enjoyable for you and your children. Choose a water bottle in your favorite color or one with a design or character you like to make drinking more enjoyable. Some water bottles also feature built-in infusers, so you can add fruit or herbs to enhance flavor without excessive sugars.
If you’d like a break from water or you’d like to switch up your drinks, you have plenty of hydration options. Check out some of the top questions regarding which drinks offer the most hydration.
Watermelon is 92% water, making it a great way to stay hydrated. Before your beach trip or on your way there, you can make drinks like a watermelon smoothie for a tasty way to stay hydrated.
Gatorade can hydrate you, but it is a good idea to check out the label before you choose to drink it. Try to avoid options with high sugar and salt content, as they may not be the healthiest option. If you choose to drink Gatorade, avoid diluting it with water, as water can reduce its effectiveness.
Coffee is mostly water, which means it contributes to your daily water intake. However, there are better ways to stay hydrated than only drinking coffee, as it may cause you to exceed your recommended daily caffeine intake.
Put your hydration skills to the test by planning a memorable beach vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey. Our island is a top destination for all kinds of beachgoers, and there are numerous spots on the sand to soak up the sun. Or, if you need a break from the heat or a place to rehydrate, plenty of shops, restaurants and other attractions are along the Boardwalk. Download our free visitor’s guide to learn more about everything awaiting you, or contact us online to view upcoming specials and events.
