How to Keep Things Safe on the Beach

Hiding Your Things

Stash your things in a locker if there’s one available. Check the local area and see if there are any lockers in the nearby vicinity. If you’re visiting a popular touristy area, there may be lockers you can rent for the day.

Place valuables out of plain sight so thieves won't be tempted. Store your things in a sealable and waterproof plastic bag under a beach towel, or obscure them with other items lying around, like a clean diaper. Thieves probably won’t rifle through your things if they don’t see anything good to swipe. For instance, put your phone in a sealable plastic bag, which you can hide under a beach towel. As an extra precaution, put an empty backpack or beach chair on top.

Keep objects hidden if you keep them in your vehicle. You might not be able to see your car from your spot on the beach, so if you're leaving anything important in there, make sure it's stashed out of sight. That way, your vehicle won't be an easy target for thieves who might be scoping out the parking lot. If you're able, it can help to store your items in the trunk. However, be sure you put them in the trunk before you leave your home. If you wait until you get to your destination, someone might see you stashing them, and then they'll know all they have to do is to break into your trunk.

Disguise your things by hiding them in empty packaging. Chances are, most thieves aren’t going to be interested in a bag or can of snack food. Use this to your advantage—reuse some containers to hide your belongings. This way, you can keep your valuables in plain sight without worrying about them being swiped. For instance, hide your car keys in an empty tube of chips, or hide jewelry in an empty sunscreen bottle. It’s best to hide your items in waterproof containers.

Slip your valuables into a cooler as a clever disguise. Place your belongings in a sealable bag, which you can surround with a towel for insulation. Stick your things in the cooler so they’ll be out of sight, but not at risk for freezing. If your cooler isn’t very big, prioritize your most valuable items, like your car keys or phone.

Place your valuables in beach toys for safekeeping. Secure all of your valuables in a sealable plastic bag. Depending on the size of these items, you may be able to fit them in some of your beach toys, like the center of a noodle. Make a mental note of which toys you’re using to stow away your items, so your things don’t get lost in the ocean by mistake. This isn’t the most secure option, but it can work in a pinch.

Bury your items in the sand as a last resort. It’s not ideal, but you can use the sand to your advantage if you don’t have a lot of supplies on hand. Stuff your things in a sealable and waterproof plastic bag, then hide them in the sand beneath your beach towel. Try to be subtle when you do this, so other beach goers can’t see what you’re doing

Getting Help from Others

Watch over your belongings in shifts if you’re with other people. Ask your friends or family members if they can watch your things while you explore the beach for a little while. This is by far the easiest way to keep your things safe, as thieves probably won’t bother with an attended beach site. Later in the day, you can watch everyone’s stuff while your friends and/or relatives go for a walk. For instance, go for a swim in the morning and offer to keep an eye on everyone’s things in the afternoon. Try to stay aware of your surroundings. Don't just stay engrossed in your phone the whole time—be watchful, carry yourself in a confident way, and make eye contact with people around you. That way, you won't seem as much like an easy target.

Ask a nearby family if they can keep an eye on your things. Take a look around the beach to see if there’s anyone hanging out nearby. If you spot another person or family setting up camp nearby, introduce yourself and ask if they can keep an eye on your things while you step away. While this isn’t a foolproof option, it can give you some peace of mind while you’re gone. This is a good option if you need to run to the bathroom, or if you left something in your car.

Set up camp close to the lifeguard. Get a lay of the land to see if and where the lifeguard’s base of operations is. Try finding an open area on the beach near the lifeguard station where you can lay out your things. If someone suspicious starts rifling through your things, there’s a chance that the lifeguard may spot them. Additionally, being close to the lifeguard may discourage thieves from hanging around your things.

See if you can store your things at a nearby restaurant. Grab a bite to eat a restaurant that’s close to the beach. While you’re there, ask the staff if you can keep your things in the back of the restaurant while you go to the beach. The staff may not agree to your request, but it’s worth a shot! Storing your items at a restaurant is a lot less secure than a locker or safe. Trust your gut before asking a staff member to watch over your things. If the person doesn’t seem very reliable, you may have better luck storing your things somewhere else.

Using Special Products

Place your items in a portable beach safe. Shop online for a beach safe, which you can bring with you as you set up camp along the shore. These may be a little tedious to bring along, but they’re a sturdy, safe option that most thieves won’t be able to get past.

Place your phone and cash in a waterproof pouch. Search online for waterproof pouches where you can keep your phone. These are a great option if you’re at the beach by yourself and looking to take a dip in the ocean. Secure your phone and money in the pouch and bring it with you as you go swimming. Try getting a pouch or container that you can tie or secure to your person, so your phone doesn’t float away. Waterproof cases are another good option for beach swimming. Waist pouches are a great option for this, since they keep your belongings securely attached to your person.

Transfer your valuables to a dry bag and go swimming with them. Dry bags aren’t just for scuba diving—they’re a great way to keep your things close by, even if you’re going for a swim. Place all your belongings in the bag before leaving your beach campsite. Dry bags are large, waterproof bags that you bring with you into the water. They keep your belongings dry while giving you some peace of mind that they’re nearby. Double-check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the bag is secure. You can find dry bags online or at specialty shops.

Secure your items in a locking beach bag. Shop online for special beach bags that come with a lock that attaches to other objects, like a beach chair. These bags really discourage thieves from snatching your bag, and are a good option if you plan on leaving your things unattended. Before buying a bag, check that the product is waterproof and slash-proof, so thieves can’t cut into the bag.