Key Takeaways
- Store your gadgets in waterproof and sandproof cases, Ziplock bags, or dry bags to shield them from sand and water.
- Ensure your hands are clean before handling gadgets, protect them from sunlight and overheating, and always buy waterproof or water-resistant gadgets.
- Use an anti-theft backpack with lockable zippers to deter theft and keep your tech secure. Also, keep your gear within your sight.
Taking gadgets to the beach lets us capture memories and stay connected while relaxing in the sun. However, it’s important to protect our devices from water, sand, and theft. So, if you’re concerned about damaging or losing your valuable gadgets at the beach, here are some tips you should follow.
1Invest in Waterproof and Sandproof Cases
Sand and water are major threats to your gadgets at the beach. Water splashes and spills can seep into your phone, short-circuiting its electronics, while sands fine, abrasive particles can scratch screens, clog ports, and infiltrate delicate internal components. Without proper protection, these elements can quickly turn a fun day into an expensive tech disaster.
To prevent this, invest in waterproof and sandproof cases. These cases seal your devices securely, keeping out sand, water, and other harmful elements. Ensure you buy a case with a tight seal and a good water resistance rating. Some cases even maintain touchscreen responsiveness, allowing you to check messages and, if the sound isn’t muffled, take calls.
The Hiearcool Waterproof and Sandproof Case is ideal for your smartphone, while the AquaQuest Laptop Sleeve is an excellent option for your laptop and other gadgets.
2Store Devices in a Ziploc or Dry Bag When Not in Use
If you prefer not to invest in dedicated waterproof and sand-proof cases for your gadgets, a cost-effective alternative is to store them in Ziplock bags when not in use. These bags offer essential protection against moisture and sand. Just ensure the bag is properly sealed to prevent sand or water from sneaking in.
If you spend extended time on the beach or have hobbies that expose your tech to water, consider investing in a dry bag. These bags feature airtight seals to keep out water and sand, even when submerged. Additionally, dry bags offer padded compartments for impact protection and adjustable straps for easy carrying.
While a Ziplock bag is readily available at local stores, the Pelican Waterproof Dry Bag is a solid choice if you prefer the latter option.
3Protect Your Gadgets From Overheating
Overheating can also damage electronics at the beach. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause screen discoloration, warping, or pixel damage, leading to temporary or permanent display issues. It can also degrade battery lifespan and cause electronic components to malfunction or fail entirely.
To protect your devices from overheating, always keep them under a beach umbrella or in a shaded bag. Keeping them out of direct sunlight will help maintain a safe temperature. Additionally, bring a portable fan to help cool your devices if they start to overheat when used at the beach.
If you notice your gadgets starting to overheat while you’re using them, you can temporarily turn them off. This halts all active operations and allows the residual heat to dissipate effectively.
4Invest in Waterproof or Water-Resistant Gadgets
If you frequently go to the beach, always invest in waterproof or water-resistant gadgets. These devices are designed with enhanced seals, special coatings, and durable materials to withstand exposure to moisture and water. Before purchasing, check for certifications like IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, which indicate the level of water and dust resistance.
For instance, an IP67 or IP68 rating means a device can handle submersion in water up to specific depths for a particular duration. Many smartphones, cameras, smartwatches, and headphones come with these ratings. Ensure you buy from reputable brands and properly understand these ratings and the difference between waterproof and water-resistant.
5Clean Your Hands Before Handling Gadgets
When you take your devices out of their protective bags and cases, ensure your hands are clean. Sand, sunscreen, saltwater, and other residues can quickly transfer to your devices. Sand can scratch screens, oils from sunscreen can make touch screens unresponsive, and saltwater can corrode ports and connectors.
To prevent these issues, rinse your hands with fresh water to remove sand, salt, and other residues, then dry them with a clean towel. If freshwater isn’t available, use wet wipes. Also, keep a microfiber cloth in your beach bag to clean your devices if you accidentally touch them with dirty or damp hands or if they get exposed to moisture.
6Use an Anti-Theft Backpack With Lockable Zippers
Besides physical damage, you also need to protect your tech gear from theft. An anti-theft backpack with lockable zippers is an excellent way to keep your valuables safe. These bags have advanced security features to deter theft, hidden pockets to secure expensive belongings, and slash-resistant materials to prevent thieves from cutting through the fabric.
When choosing such a bag, make sure to select the one made from cut-proof nylon or reinforced polyester, with support for combination or key locks. Look for padded straps and a breathable back panel for added comfort. Always lock your backpack and use hidden pockets to store your most valuable items.
You can purchase an anti-theft backpack for under $50. The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack is a good choice. Check out more anti-theft laptop backpacks.
7Don’t Leave Your Items Unattended
To protect your gadgets, never leave them unattended, as they are prime targets for opportunistic thieves. Whether with family or friends, ensure someone is always watching your belongings. Always keep your gear within sight. You can also use a lockbox to secure them to a beach chair or umbrella pole.
If you have expensive gadgets, avoid overusing them to avoid drawing attention. Choose a spot in a visible area with regular foot traffic. Use bright, distinctive towels or blankets to identify your location from a distance quickly. Consider placing a tracker inside your lockable bag if it doesn’t already have one, enabling you to locate it if it gets stolen.
Furthermore, keep anti-theft features such as Find My Device enabled on your devices. This allows you to track your device easily in case of theft. Lastly, take minimal tech gear to the beach and avoid bringing expensive items if possible.