Everything you need for the perfect beach day

Summer’s here at last! There’s nothing better than a sunny day at one of Québec’s stunning beaches. To make sure your day by the water goes smoothly, it pays to be prepared and pack the essentials. From sunscreen to beach games and handy accessories, here’s a list of what you need to relax under the sun.
Beach bag essentials
Before you head out to your beach of choice, put on lightweight clothing and make sure you pack essentials such as a comfortable swimsuit and your favourite towel. And don’t forget your skin! A broad-spectrum sunscreen - one that protects against both UVA and UVB - and a wide-brimmed hat are the best way to guard against sunburns and other harmful effects of UV radiation.
Here are some more things to add to your beach bag for a magical day with no unpleasant surprises:
basic first-aid kit
camera
waterproof bag for wet clothing
book or magazine
headphones and music
food and water
change of clothes
Remember, a well-stocked beach bag is the secret to a great day!
Off to the beach!
To make the journey to the beach as pleasant as possible, be prepared for any eventuality. Bring things to keep the whole family entertained: books, toys, a tablet, a playlist of your favourite songs, and so on. Don’t forget to have snacks at the ready to fend off hunger pangs. And be sure to charge your electronic devices in the car. No one wants a flat battery at the beach.
If your beach time involves a long road trip, have your vehicle inspected before you set off and make sure your car insurance meets all your needs.
Planning to stay at one of Québec’s amazing campsites? (article in French). Make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your RV and its contents during the trip. And for a hassle-free caravanning trip, plan to bring emergency equipment adapted to your vehicle.
Accessories for the best beach day ever
Here you are at the beach! You’ve thought of everything, so now you can relax. Unpack classic beach gear such as volleyball equipment and a Frisbee as well as buckets and spades for the little ones. If it’s rocky, don your beach shoes to protect your feet from sharp pebbles and go on a shelling expedition. Aiming for the ultimate in comfort? Set up folding chairs, an umbrella or sun shade, and a large waterproof picnic blanket. To keep everyone safe in the water, help young children put on an approved lifejacket or personal flotation device before letting them venture in.
A few precautions before you leave home
The excitement is at an all-time high, and you can’t wait to get to the beach. But don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave. To enjoy your day with peace of mind, it’s important to take a few precautions before you set off . To prevent a home break-in, close and lock your home’s windows and doors. And to protect your property from fire and water damage, double check that all appliances have been turned off.
Going on vacation for several days? Be extra cautious! Unplug non-essential electronics, turn off your home’s water main, and secure your valuables. Discourage thieves by making it look like someone’s home and have someone you trust keep an eye on your house while you’re away. Before you leave, it’s also a good idea to make sure you’re properly covered under your home insurance, in case the unexpected happens while you’re on vacation.
Have questions about your home insurance or want to add coverage to your policy? Contact one of our damage insurance representatives. They can check that you have the right coverage for your needs and your situation.
Now you’re set for your day at the beach, and all that’s left is to find the perfect spot to plant your umbrella and unwind, toes in the sand and a smile on your face!