How to protect your bag at the beach?

The safety of your valuables at the beach is a major concern now more than ever.

You're planning a Greek island getaway, a week by the pool at a Thai resort, waves in Cape Town, wine on the or beaches of Maui. No matter where or how you enjoy your summer by the water, all of these idyllic activities have one thing in common: what to do with your valuables. In a time when we rarely leave home without money and at least a smartphone, beach theft is a legitimate concern for summer travelers. So let's see how to protect your belongings at the beach.

What to do with your valuables at the beach?

Below are some of the steps you can take to protect your valuables at the beach during your travels and summer vacations. We've also rounded up some great beach safety products that will help you hide your valuables safely at the beach or pool.

Think about the valuables you take to the beach

If you consider the items that many automatically put in their beach bag for a relaxing day at the beach, shoplifting is a serious problem.

The big question is how to protect your belongings at the beach.

Obviously, you won't want to waste money for a day at the beach. You might be wearing your watch , have your smartphone , and maybe your car keys with you.

You might even want to bring your Kindle rather than a traditional book or magazine, iPod, or other music device . And of course, if you're on vacation, many will have a camera .

The beach is the perfect place for thieves.

Unfortunately, the beach can be prime ground for pickpockets and petty thieves . They know that people won't be on their toes and maybe watch their belongings while they're bathing or sunbathing.

And it's not just at the beach. Petty thieves also prey on swimming pools at resorts and beach clubs .

How can you keep your valuables safe at the beach and ensure that a relaxing day by the sea or pool will not be ruined by thieves?

Here are some safety tips to help you keep your valuables safe on the beach, as well as some of the best anti-theft beach bags and waterproof solutions for keeping your valuables on the beach.

Leave your valuables at home

It may seem obvious, but if you don't need it, don't pack it. There's really no reason to have too many valuables on you for a day of swimming and sunbathing. Remember to reduce your expenses and take only the essentials . Leave all other valuables locked away at home or at the hotel.

Don't carry your whole wallet or purse with all your credit cards , just enough cash for the day and put it in a zippered pocket or lockable bag.

Bring only a minimum of electronic devices or, better yet, none. Try logging off for the day .
Prefer a real book, magazine or newspaper to an electronic reader.
If you must pack a camera , a big (visible) DSLR isn't ideal for a day at the beach. Besides the potential damage it could take, it is difficult to conceal. Opt for a compact camera that can be hidden in your bag or even just your smartphone for beach photos. The new GoPro camera is great for the beach because you can take it swimming with you and, unlike its predecessors, it's reasonably priced.
Finally, leave your passport in the room .
Even if you've checked out of your hotel and want to have some free time at the beach before you go, most hotels will be happy to store your luggage and valuables after you check out.

Take a waterproof pouch for your smartphone

If you need to take your smartphone to the beach or pool, consider a waterproof case with a lanyard so you can take your phone into the water with you.

Most of the best waterproof phone cases on the market today are completely waterproof, not just splashproof.

Some even come with touch sensitivity, so you can still use them in the water to take photos, videos, or even calls.

For the sake of minimalism, a smartphone pouch can also be used to store some cash, credit cards, keys and small jewelry .

Most of them are relatively cheap, starting at just 10 euros. Just make sure the lanyard is secure around your neck or wrist while swimming.

Take your valuables in the water with you using a dry bag

If you really must carry valuables with you that won't fit in a small waterproof pouch, consider a dry bag for valuables when swimming.
A good dry bag will float on the surface next to you, like this Dinoka dry bag, thus avoiding total immersion.

Always test a bag for leaks before giving it your electronics.

However, in the age of technology, unless you are buying a counterfeit brand from Southeast Asia, most reputable brands are reliable and watertight.

Supplied with 2 waterproof pockets at the waist

Which will allow you to keep your valuables safe and dry and keep your hands free. It adapts perfectly to your size or your body, which allows you to fully enjoy your stay in the water. It is also a little more discreet for small objects.

How do thieves operate on the beach?

Did you know that some thieves specialize in stealing beach bags and valuables from distracted people on the beach or people who leave them unattended while swimming or walking ?

Even people who take a quick nap while sunbathing are a prime target .

Beach thieves have several ways to steal valuables from swimmers. The most common is to scour crowded beaches for unguarded bags.

Thieves are on the lookout for people who go into the water leaving their belongings behind.

They will watch you and wait until you are not facing the beach or underwater to grab your things. You won't know until you go back to your briefcase.

Be alert to unusual distractions or disturbances

While it's not necessary to be paranoid , be aware of your surroundings and on the lookout for unusual distractions.

Sometimes pickpockets feature distractions, such as groups of young people playing loudly and unusually close to you, someone tripping over you, or someone spilling something on you.

While you're distracted, an accomplice can steal your stuff. These are situations to be particularly aware of on busy tourist beaches. A secure beach bag will help you keep your valuables safe on the beach and avoid problems with theft on the beach.

Invest in an anti-theft beach bag or lockable beach bag

Obviously, any anti-theft bag or backpack is enough for the beach , but the new lockable anti-theft beach bags that appear on the market are very useful .

It's more than just a beach bag with lock. A lockable beach bag is waterproof , features anti-fracture technology , can be locked to a fixed structure such as a lounge chair or fence, and has advanced locking capabilities.

Our favorite lockable beach bag, the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Beach Bag , is perfect for any outdoor activity.

A good anti-theft or lockable beach bag can also double as airline carry-on, so it's versatile for travel.

Protect your valuables at the beach by taking turns.

Even if you're using beach safety containers, it's always a good idea to take turns monitoring your gear . It's a great deterrent to would-be thieves.

If you are going to the beach in a group, have a member of the group watch your belongings while you swim.

This is not always ideal if you are alone or in a couple.

You can always try to enlist the services of a stranger who seems trustworthy while you're having a quick bath, but be careful who you choose.

Spend time watching the people on the beach and those sitting near you.

Many solo travelers say they tend to look to other solo beachgoers their own age, families or older couples.

While no demographic is 100% trustworthy, you can usually get a sense of what's wrong.

Try to avoid groups of young people in their teens or 20s.

Beware of local children, especially in some countries.

Those who drink, especially in groups.
Take note of how they handle their business before asking them.

Be careful where you place your bags

Remember, if you're at the beach in a group, or even as a couple, keep your bags in the center of the group rather than around the perimeter where they're an easy target for snatchers. A bag with a padlock is also practical.

Think secret hiding places , under towels or buried in the sand, but a beach safety bag is a better option.

Use a beach towel with zippered pocket for valuables

Wondering how to hide valuables at the beach? While not entirely theft proof, a beach towel with a zippered pocket for small valuables is a great idea and a clever way to hide valuables at the beach.

Keep small valuables, like your phone, in your pocket and out of sight when sunbathing, so potential thieves can't snatch it away while your eyes are closed. Keep keys and loose change safe and close at hand.

Towels like the Sea Free Microfiber Towel have a waterproof pocket large enough to hold a phone, keys, change, sunglasses and even snacks! Hanging loops on the corners allow you to attach the towel to a lounger for added security.

We don't recommend this towel as a complete anti-theft solution for keeping your valuables safe at the beach, but it's a good solution for keeping certain items handy while out of sight.

Keep your valuables out of sight

Unless you're using an e-reader or your phone, store your electronics in boxes . Don't leave multiple devices lying around on deck chairs or towels.

If you're not wearing your watch, put it in a zippered pocket inside a bag or briefcase . Once again, although it may seem obvious, too often we see people who expose all their valuables in full view of potential thieves.

Even if you have a lockable beach bag attached to a chair . It is always wise to cover it with a towel or store it under the chair , out of sight, when you go swimming.

It pays not to advertise when you're on the beach.

Even when you're sunbathing, keep bags zipped up and close to you, and small items stored under your towel. Just close your eyes for a moment to have a bag stolen.

In the end, petty theft and pickpocketing are part of life , wherever you travel.

By using a little common sense and taking a few simple precautions , you can help keep your valuables safe at the beach.