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Five Ways to Beat the Heat in Myrtle Beach

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The summer of 2015 has already been a record-setting season for heat in Myrtle Beach, and there's still a lot summer left before we see any relief. The unusually high temperatures and humidity levels have forced locals and visitors to find creative ways to beat the heat without sacrificing valuable beach time.

Of course, you don’t want to spend your vacation time stuck in your room. There are many ways you can beat the blazing summer heat. Here are five tips for keeping cool during your Myrtle Beach vacation:

Drink Up: Many Beachgoers are so concerned with getting sunburn on their exterior but totally ignore the importance of protecting their interior. Dehydration is a dangerous and potentially deadly condition that can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids. Good old-fashioned water is best, although sports drinks can help replenish the electrolytes you can lose throughout the day. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can actually increase your chances of dehydration. Popsicles and frozen drinks are tasty and icy treats that can provide temporary relief.

Get some gadgets: The free market has come up with some creative items for keeping cool. Perhaps the most popular is the spray bottle with a fan attachment. Operating on a pair of Double-A batteries, the fan revolves around the nozzle, making a cool mist you can spray on your entire body. Frogge Togge also makes some unique and useful products, including a towel you store in the freezer at night and wrap around your neck in the daytime. They also have a special headband that covers your temples and forehead, and a wrist band that cool your pulse points and send cues to the rest of your body.

Make some shade: The city of Myrtle Beach's ban on large tents has sent beachgoers scrambling for cover on the beach. The best solutions are beach umbrella with an adjustable top so you can use the proper angles to cast the maximum shadow. Umbrellas must be less than 7.5 feet in diameter, although larger shading devices can be used after Labor Day. There are also several alternatives to comply with the beach ordinance, like the smaller shade houses that offer cover on all four sides, preventing you from breaking down and setting up several times throughout the day.

Put a lid on it: It only makes sense that you need to protect your head on the beach. After all, it is the closest body part to the sun and the storage facility for your brain, where your internal heating and cooling system is located. For starters, wear a hat or visor to block direct sunlight to your head. Wide-brimmed straw hats are best because they also offer more shade, and a new line of beach hats include flaps that cover the ears, neck and shoulders. Regardless of which style you choose, make sure the hat you choice is white or light colored to reduce the trapped heat that comes from a dark-colored cover.

Take a break: Your body needs to take frequent breaks from direct sunlight, particularly during the heat of the day from noon to 3 p.m. Take a long lunch break back in the room to give your body some much-needed relief and nutrition. Guests can also seek some shelter at the Caribbean's indoor pool deck for a relaxing ride down the lazy river or a splash in the cool pools. A dip in the pool or some time in an air-conditioned room can do wonders to instantly reduce your overall body temperature.

 

(Posted: 7/27/15)