Health and Fitness Oasis

I think beaches are a great place for families to go during the summer. You bring your gear and find a perfect spot not too close to the water, near a lifeguard stand. What you might not be prepared for are thieves though. They are looking for any valuables you have left unattended while swimming in the water.

Beach thieves do very well since few people are aware they are around in the area. You might think you will see anyone getting near your belongings in time but it’s easy to get distracted in the water.

Have you ever gone to the water from your spot on the beach only to look up thirty minutes later and find out that you’ve drifted away from your original position? Well that’s what these thieves are counting on. In a bathing suit, everyone looks the same and most beach goers don’t check their surroundings enough to become familiar with those sitting close to them.

A man or woman wearing sunglasses can walk up to your beach towel and scoop up car keys, wallets, purses or all of these things easily without anyone noticing. 

I advise these steps to keep your belongings safe from beach thieves. Try these suggestions to avoid becoming a target.

1. Only bring what you need to the beach. If you are using the beach outside your hotel, leave your belongings in your room. Let the front desk hold your room key until you return from your outing.

2. Have a designated person at your spot at all times. Thieves aren’t bold enough to steal your things when someone is watching them. There are too many easier marks to be had. Take turns watching the car keys, wallets and other valuables.

3. Resist the urge to keep everything in your car. Thieves target them too. Stow all valuables in the trunk out of plain sight and park as close to the beach as possible.

4. Keep your belongings in one location. Some people drop the keys on the towel but leave the wallet in their beach bag. With so many places to keep track of, it is easy to be robbed and not realize it till later when the thief is long gone. Place all valuables together in one spot like a small portable safe that you can put in your bag.

5. Use a waterproof bag for your belongings. This works well for single beach goers. If there is no one to watch your stuff you’ll need to keep it with you. Using a waterproof bag for your car keys and wallet lets you strap it to your wrist or ankle while you swim or surf.

 It would be nice to think that most places are safe but the reality is you have to be on your guard. Beaches are no different so protect yourself and your belongings – and above all, have fun!

This entry was posted on Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm and is filed under Health Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.