Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Fourth of July Pool and Beach Bag Essentials

03 Jul 2017 By: Diane Gottsman

It’s the 4th of July, and the sun is scorching hot. Hopefully, you will either be enjoying your day by hosting a party or attending as an invited guest.

Beach Bag Essentials

If you’re lucky, the party may include a river, lake, ocean or pool. You’ll need some essential tools to stay cool, calm and energized as you and your family frolic in the summer heat this Independence Day.  I plan to be at the lake, and the first things I always toss in my travel bag are my sunglasses and sunscreen.  What else do you need to check off your list? Here are a few reminders.

Beach Bag Must Haves

If you’re headed somewhere with a sandy shore, you’ll need a tote full of necessities. Even waves and a beautiful beach aren’t fun when everyone’s hungry and sunburned, so plan ahead to keep the fun going!

  • A large handled mesh bag
  • Bottled water
  • A few good magazines or a great book
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat to shield your face and eyes
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Heat-friendly snacks such as nuts, seeds and cut up vegetables
  • Flip flops
  • Cute cover up or lightweight shirt to protect you from the sun
  • Bug spray
  • Beach blankets
  • Beach toys, shovel and pail
  • Cash
  • Sunglasses
  • Cell phone – turned off – for emergencies

Pool Bag Essentials

Heading to the local community pool or over to a friend’s house is a great way to cool off, but you’ll need a different set of must-haves. If you have babies or toddlers, you will need a larger bag!

  • Swimsuits
  • Flip flops
  • Beach towels (multiple)
  • Easily portable cookies, snacks and kid friendly treats such as fruit
  • Plenty of water and organic juice boxes
  • Sunscreen – specifically for children and your sensitive skin
  • Diapers
  • Water shoes or tennis shoes – for the hot sidewalk
  • Floaties, water toys and beach balls
  • Wet wipes
  • Diaper balm
  • Bug spray
  • Aloe Vera gel
  • Sunglasses

Always Carry a First Aid Kit

Don’t neglect safety this 4th of July. Pay close attention to what you’ll need in case of a minor emergency. A bug bite, blisters, a bad sunburn or a scuffed knee may be an unfortunate part of your day. Be ready and prepared.

  • Different size bandages
  • Ointment
  • Gloves
  • Tweezers
  • Calamine lotion
  • Sanitizer
  • Tissue and towels
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Big bite itch spray
  • Eye wash
  • Pain reliever
  • Anti-nausea medicine

Have a lovely and safe Independence Day!

You may also like Fourth of July Celebration Etiquette. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.