When you're packing for your trip and taking a look at where you're going to stay, consider these tips:

• Carry a sand-free beach bag. Sand is so much fun when you're at the beach. However, it's a huge annoyance when you get home and find that it's covered virtually everything you own. With this in mind, try getting a mesh tote bag for carrying your things. Just give it a few shakes at the end of the day, and the sand will fall out.

• Pack some bug spray. Getting bitten by insects is no picnic, so don't get caught without bug spray in case the bugs are out.

• Add a flotation device (or cork) to your keys. This is a great way to ensure your keys don't sink to the bottom of the ocean floor if you accidentally drop them.

• Learn how to identify rip currents. You can learn to spot a rip current by looking for a break in the incoming wave pattern, a line of debris, seaweed or foam steadily moving seaward, a channel of choppy, churning water, or a notable difference in water color in a specific area.

• Learn how to avoid and get out of rip currents. It's good practice to only swim as beaches with lifeguard protection and obey all their orders and instructions. If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm and don't fight the current. Instead, start swimming parallel to shore, and once you are out of the current, start swimming toward the shoreline. If this isn't possible, float or tread water. If this still doesn't work, wave and yell for help. Similarly, if you see someone in trouble, get the lifeguard immediately or call 9-1-1. Never jump in to save the person yourself.