Things to Do at the Beach When You’re Afraid of the Water

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Being a little bit afraid of the idea of diving headfirst into the sea is nothing to be ashamed of. There are plenty of reasons you might be afraid of going under. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying a seaside retreat. Here are six great no swimsuit required things you can do at the beach.

Instagram That Sunset
Snap shots of that spectacular scenery next time you’re hanging out on the coast. The golden light and brilliant contrast between water and sky makes for awesome compositions. Effortlessly capture great memories and share something beautiful with your social network. Plus, having your phone or camera in your hand gives you a built-in excuse to avoid any actual swimming.

Go Fish
Whether from a dock or a pier or right in the surf, there’s nothing better than an afternoon of fishing. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it. If you have some luck, your catch of the day will be on the dinner menu. And depending on the regulations of the area you’re visiting, you’ll probably be able to crack a cold beer.

Stroll the Shore
You don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy an oceanic experience. Just walking on the sand, dipping your toes in the water, is a relaxing way to get your fix. Roll up your cuffs, slip off your shoes, and take a trek along the beach. You’ll find plenty of wildlife to observe, from unique shells, to scuttling crabs and raucous shore birds.

Bring a Book
Reading is a time-honored beach tradition. Even when the waves get wild, the sand is a calming and atmospheric place to cozy up with the perfect book. For bonus points, find a book with a coastal theme. You can easily laze the day away while the rest of your crew splash to their hearts’ content. With a cool drink to sip, you’ll have your own version of paradise.

Build a Sandcastle
For childhood nostalgia, grab your sand construction tools and get those creative juices flowing. It’s relaxing and mentally stimulating all at once. Build a castle, a sand turtle, or anything you can imagine. If sculpting isn’t your thing, create some art on the canvas of the sand using sticks. Your whimsical creations will add magic to the day.

Do Some Good
Even if you don’t like getting in the water, you know that the health of our oceans and shorelines affects all of us. Do your part to help keep your local beaches pristine by volunteering for a trash cleanup. Everyone loves a clean coastline, no matter what their favorite beach activity.