Doctors share virus safety tips for summer beach days

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. —

Americans have never been more ready to get out of the house and bask in the sun. Warm-weather beach desti- nations are the most popular vacation searches, with Flor- ida particularly Key West

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Myrtle Beach, South Car-

— olina, and San Diego among the top considerations.

According to Tripadvisor, 50% of travelers are looking to book a one- to five-day trip this month, suggesting massive pent-up demand for sand and surf. But the craving for a beach getaway coincides with recent spikes in coronavirus cases in nearly half the states, including beach havens like Florida, Texas and the Carolinas.

The good news for beachgoers is that 83% of beaches are now open — up from only 56% two weeks ago, according to the National Recreation and Park Association. Experts agree that outdoor activities are relatively low risk because the air helps disperse virus particles, as long as you follow basic precautions.

“It is not going to be your typical summer at the shore. Most beaches are going to have restrictions around physical distancing,” said Allison Colman, director of health for the National Recreation and Park Association.

Common changes include parking restrictions to control crowds, limits on leisure activities like sunbathing, and nixing coolers, chairs, umbrellas and other gear. Beach rules vary widely by city and county, and visitors should check their destination’s regulations before heading out.

In New York City and its suburbs, state beaches are fully open with swimming. Beaches run by the city itself are also open, but swimming is barred.

In California, most beaches, are now allowing sunbathing and swimming. Some are maintaining bans on staying in one place, but allow exer- cise or crossing the sand to reach the water.

Beaches also reopened in Miami this month banning groups of more than 10 people, requiring social distancing of 10 feet or more and forbidding canopies. Masks must be worn when social distancing might be difficult.

If you’re downwind from groups of people, even if you’re more than 6 feet apart, respiratory droplets can be blown, putting you at greater risk, said Dr. Shawn Nasseri, a Beverly Hills, California, ear, nose and throat specialist.

If it’s not crowded, it might be safe to enjoy a beach day without a mask with a small group, and ideally bring your own towels, toys, chairs and food. If you need to rent equipment, just make sure to use a disinfectant wipe.

“The caveat is that people cannot be packed like sardines on the beach. They can’t be sitting on top of each other,” Nasseri said.

If the parking lot is full or the beach looks packed, experts advise picking another beach or coming back at off-peak hours like weekday mornings and evenings.

Trickiest to navigate are high-traffic areas like parking lots and narrow ramps to and from the water. Wearing a mask is advised.