Burns, Bites, & Stings

 5 Essentials for Your Beach Day First Aid Kit

Beach days in Port A are the best! A perfect beach day is all about soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and making memories that smell like sunscreen and sea salt. But before you pack the towels and the sunscreen, remember to take a few extra minutes to prep your beach day first aid kit. These five items are lightweight, practical, and can make the difference between calling it an early day and staying to watch the sunset.

1: A Basic First Aid Kit (Upgraded for the Beach)

Start with your standard travel-size first aid kit: think bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and medical tape. But make one crucial swap—replace regular bandages with waterproof ones. Wet environments mean standard bandages won’t stick for long, and nobody wants to deal with sandy scrapes reopening mid-day. You might also want to toss in a small tube of antibiotic ointment for extra protection against infection from minor cuts and scrapes.

2: Vinegar

Surprised? It might not be the first thing you think to toss in your beach bag, but vinegar is a multi-tasking beach hero. It helps draw the heat out of sunburned skin, providing quick cooling relief. More importantly, vinegar is known to help neutralize the sting from various types of jellyfish. Keep a small travel-size spray bottle in your kit. Even if you never need it, you’ll be a hero to someone else who does.

3: Lidocaine Spray

A lifesaver when the ocean throws a surprise your way—lidocaine spray can quickly soothe pain from jellyfish stings, scrapes, and bug bites. It’s easy to apply, fast-acting, and a great option for kids (and adults) who don’t do well with creams or gels. Look for a version with aloe vera for added sunburn relief.

4: Bug Spray

Beaches aren’t always breezy enough to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay, especially around dunes or marshy areas. Pack a reliable, reef-safe bug spray to protect yourself from insect bites, especially if you’ll be staying through dusk. Opt for a formula that’s skin-friendly and won’t wash off the moment you dip your toes in the surf.

5: Electrolyte Drink Packets

Dehydration can sneak up on you when you're in and out of the water all day, especially in hot weather. Electrolyte drink packets are compact, easy to use, and can help replenish essential minerals after sweating or sun exposure. Just mix one into your water bottle and sip your way back to feeling great. They’re especially helpful for kids, older adults, or anyone who starts feeling woozy or fatigued in the sun.