When Hawaii reopened its beaches after months of COVID-closures, we celebrated by plopping right down in the sand. It felt so good and so freeing. Hawaii had allowed surfing and swimming before, but anyone caught sitting would have been cited.
Today, beachgoers continue to rejoice in feeling sand between their toes and on their bums. Sand castles and sunbathers make it look as if it's "business as usual," which for the most part, it is.
But before you beach it, there are a few things to factor in:
Set up at a distance. When laying out your towel or popping up a tent, keep in mind the six-foot guideline. If it still feels like there are lots of people around, then consider checking out a different beach. If another person sets up too close to you, then gently remind them. Or you could always get up and move somewhere else.
Solo sand play. Explaining to a toddler why she can't play in the sand with her friends anymore is probably the most difficult, and heartbreaking, aspect of social distancing. Unless you know for sure that your friends and families have been quarantining, then it's probably better to play it safe. We have a small circle of friends we meet up with at the beach, but for the most part, we all swim or surf separately.
Bring a face mask. Some wonder if wearing a face mask to the beach is as important as wearing sunscreen. While we don't wear one if we're going surfing, we do have a few in our car or beach bag. We use them if social distancing isn't possible on the beach. In the ocean, we keep our distance as much as possible.
Beach it, off-hours. Avoid the beach on weekends–when it's usually packed with people. Early mornings seem to be the best time to find yourself alone on the beach. By 10 a.m., a crowd tends to fill in. Of course, this depends on where you live, but typically, it's been this way in Hawaii.
NOTE: We're not medical professionals. These tips are based on personal experience. COVID-19 information can change quickly, so check fact-driven media outlets for up-to-date news.
READ MORE: Do you need face masks at the beach? // Social distance surfing
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