By Dr. Lynelle Slade-Byrd, Tidewater Children’s Associates

You’re all packed and ready for some summer fun in the sun. You’ve got the towels, sunscreen, beach chairs, and water. Have you forgotten anything? It never hurts to add a first-aid kit to your list of essentials.

Packing a first-aid kit will prepare you for any unexpected incidents along the way. Here, we list everything you need to have a fun and SAFE day at the beach. For starters, make sure to pack everything in a waterproof bag or box with a secure closure so it stays dry in case it ends up near the water.

In addition, add these important items to your beach first-aid kit:

• Pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl.
• Bandages, gauze, cloth tape, alcohol, and alcohol swabs.
• Antibiotic ointment.
• Anti-itch cream.
• Cotton swabs or cotton balls.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Any anti-allergy medications or other medications prescribed by your family doctor such as an epi-pen and inhaler.
• Sunscreen.
• Aloe vera to soothe any unexpected burns.
• Bug spray.
• Instant ice packs.
• Extra Ziploc bags for wet suits or messy diapers. They are also good for wrapping and protecting injuries from sand and dirt.
• Lip balm with sunscreen.
• Saline solution – It can be used as an eye wash or for flushing cuts and scrapes.
• Tweezers – boardwalks and docks are infamous for splinters.

Remember to keep your kit away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children, but easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

You may also want to familiarize yourself with where the closest emergency room or urgent care center is in the area you are visiting. Create a list of physical locations and phone numbers and add it to your kit. In the event of an emergency, this will remove the extra stress of finding the nearest care facility.

And finally, water safety is critical. Make sure you and everyone in your group know basic water safety.

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About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.