Essential Gear for the Pool or Lake

It's finally time to take a break. As summer blazes on and you break out the swimsuits, plan a pool day or getaway to the lake for a day in the sun. As you pack and plan accordingly, make sure you include all the essentials to be safe. Avoid overheating, dehydration and those annoying sunburns you get by the water each summer! Here's what you'll need to bring with you to make summer swimming out by the lake or by the pool, as enjoyable as possible.

First things first, you'll need a swimsuit! But make sure to pack more than one - or some cool lounge clothes. You never know when you might want to change into a dry suit or need a fresh outfit should your day take you to a second location at some point. It's always best to be prepared, so you don't have to show up somewhere else in a wet swimsuit.

Beach Bags Keep Things Convenient

Beach bags are essential for carrying all of your belongings to and from the beach. Choose a bag that is big enough to fit everything you need but not so big that it's cumbersome to carry. A beach bag with many pockets can help you stay organized, and one with a strap or two can help distribute the weight evenly. An oversized bag might seem like a nuisance, but with a big group of people bringing towels, snacks, water and whatever else, you will need as much space to pack as you can get.

You Can Never Have Too Many Towels

You'll need a towel for drying off, but you might also want to bring an extra one to sit on or lie down on during the day. Beach umbrellas or tents are great for providing shade and protection from the sun, but towels are essential for drying off after a swim. They can also protect you from grass or sand. No one wants their clothes covered in grass stains, or sand stuck all over them. Plan at least one large towel per person, and maybe a few smaller ones for the group, as needed.

Sunscreen is a Top Priority

Make sure to pack sunscreen! This is non-negotiable, no matter how cloudy it looks outside. The sun's rays can penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to your skin. And since water reflects sunlight, you'll want to make sure you're extra protected while swimming. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you're frequently swimming.

Sunscreen is crucial to protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays. Pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it generously before swimming. One rule of thumb is to wait 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun or getting into the water. This small window of time lets the lotion set into your skin and prevents it from wiping off as soon as you get into the water or dry off.

Keep the Sun Out

Hats and sunglasses are other forms of protection from the sun. Choose a hat that will protect your face and head from the sun, and pack a pair of sunglasses to help keep the sun out of your eyes. Sunglasses are not only a great way to keep the sun out of your eyes, but they also help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Make sure to pack a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Hanging Around Water Amplifies the Sun’s Rays

You may not realize it while you’re in the water, but a day in the sun causes you to lose a lot of fluid through sweat. The sun reflects off the surface of the water, intensifying its rays. This can not only increase the risk of sunburn, but the magnified heat can dehydrate you much quicker. Not to mention, you might not be aware of how much you’ve been sweating while swimming in the water. Adding intensive heat to a loss of fluid creates the perfect storm for dehydration. Make sure you include a hydration aid in your bag of essentials to keep your fluids up and avoid heat exhaustion.

DripDrop might be the missing ingredient from your beach bag! Conquer your thirst with a unique combination of essential minerals and a flood of electrolytes to replenish your body. Adding a packet of DripDrop to your water gives your body exactly what it’s craving, especially after a day in the sun. The exclusive formula maximizes fluid absorption and eradicates dehydration quickly, which is crucial when replacing fluids lost from the sun. Heat stroke or heat exhaustion can come on quickly when you are near the water for long periods of time. So don’t forget to be proactive and combat your thirst before it starts with DripDrop.

Pile in the Snacks For High Energy

Snacks and drinks are essential to keep your energy up. Pack some healthy snacks and drinks like water or juice. Don't forget fruits or granola bars for the carbohydrates, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you're going to be out in the sun all day, it's essential to keep hydrated and replenish your electrolytes. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make you feel tired and crash. Sugary drinks also can dehydrate you fairly quickly in the heat.

Bring Coolers For the Extra Chill

Coolers are great for keeping your food and drinks cold. Choose a cooler that is big enough to fit all your belongings but not so big that it's difficult to carry. You'll also want to make sure that the cooler has a tight seal to keep the cold air in and the heat out. Not only will this keep your drinks cold, but it keeps ice or ice packs within reach should you need a quick cool down!

Water Bottles Are Essential

Water bottles are essential for staying hydrated. Make sure to pack a water bottle for each person and fill them up before you leave. Make sure your water bottle has a bit of insulation to keep your drink cold and prevent ice from melting. If you're going to be out in the sun all day, staying cool and refreshed is a top priority. Having a water bottle is the most crucial cooling element to bring with you when out in the sun. Enjoy being by the water without getting dehydrated.

Make DripDrop Your New Summer Sidekick

As you celebrate summer, don't let the intense heat or the humidity deter your fun from having a pool day or trip to the lake. You've waited all year to enjoy the water and soak up the sun. So don't forget the essentials when you are packing for your day. Packing a little heavy and being prepared is better than not having enough essential supplies when you are out enjoying your day. Stay safe and be prepared for anything on your next water outing.