Keeping Your Stuff Safe at the Water

Beach theft is becoming an increasingly concerning issue at popular destinations worldwide. In Hawaii alone, police reported over 160 thefts in Waikiki during April 2024, while Cyprus police investigated 57 beach theft cases across various beaches in just a few months. 

With summer approaching and more people heading to the shores, knowing how to protect your belongings when you’re at the pool, lake or beach has never been more critical.

While we all want to believe in the safety of our favorite beaches, recent incidents remind us that thieves are getting more opportunistic and creative. From quick grab-and-go thefts to organized schemes targeting tourist areas, protecting your valuables requires more than just hiding them under a towel. 

This guide will help you enjoy your beach day with peace of mind, offering practical solutions that go beyond the obvious to keep your belongings secure.

Before Heading Out: Smart Prep

The key to protecting your valuables at the beach starts before you slather on the sunscreen. Taking a thoughtful inventory of what you truly need – and what you can leave back in your room – can significantly reduce your risk of loss or theft, while ensuring you still have everything essential for a safe, enjoyable day.

1. Create a ‘beach’ wallet containing:
   • one credit card (not your primary)
   • some cash ($20-40)
   • copy of your ID (not the original, and only if you think you’ll need it)
   • emergency contact info
   • health insurance card
   • hotel room key (if needed)
2. Secure your medical and tech devices:
   • put them in waterproof cases or zippered plastic bags in a pinch
   • take only what’s needed for the time you’ll be out
   • ensure devices are fully charged so you don’t have to charge them while at the beach
   • enable ‘find my device’ before leaving your room
3. Pack a plastic trash bag or waterproof bag for wet clothing (it will keep water away from electronics)

Of course, some of these items can go into a locker, if that’s offered. Then, all you need to keep an eye on is your book, towel, and sunscreen.

Pro tip: Consider buying a portable ‘safe’, which is a slash-proof bag that you can secure to something immovable and lock your valuables in it if you have to step away. Very handy.

Secure Waterside Storage Solutions

Sadly, the days of hiding things in your shoe or under your towel are long gone – today’s waterside security requires smarter solutions.

1. Choose the right beach bag:
   • Look for water-resistant or waterproof materials
   • Select bags with hidden compartments
   • Ensure zippers are sturdy and lockable
   • Consider light-colored bags (they stay cooler and make items easier to find)
2. Implement strategic positioning:
   • Put your bags where you can always see them (not under your chair, for example)
   • Slightly bury the bag in sand for stability
   • Never leave valuables unattended, even if for ‘just a minute’
   • Avoid placing electronics directly on hot surfaces or sand
   • Don’t store keys in water-vulnerable locations
   • Place a towel over your bag to keep things cooler and out of sight

Pro tip: Some phone and/or travel insurance policies now cover water damage to electronics, but only if you can prove you took reasonable precautions to protect them. Proper waterproof cases and security measures aren’t just practical—they could be the difference between a successful claim and a costly replacement.

Strategic Beach or Poolside Setup

Your choice of location can be as important as the security measures you implement. A well-planned setup creates natural surveillance and makes it harder for thieves to target your things.

1. When you first arrive, take note of the exits, water rescue devices, and where the lifeguards are.
2. Choose a location that offers:
   • Clear sight lines to your things when you’re in the water
   • Close proximity to lifeguard stations or patrols
   • A distance from busy entrances and exits
   • A brightly colored flag or other marker for orientation
3. Create a secure storage pit:
   • Position the chairs to form a semi-circle around belongings so everyone can keep an eye on things
   • Lay a large beach blanket in the middle to keep sand away from your belongings

Once you get your strategic setup complete, take a photo of it. This will help you remember what you brought in case something goes missing and you have to file a claim.

Pro tip: Establish a buddy system with your neighbors. When you’re swimming, they can watch your things and vice versa (as long as you trust them).

Watch Out for Common Beach Scams

Beach theft tactics have evolved beyond the simple grab-and-run, often using sophisticated techniques to separate you from your valuables.

Here are some current schemes to be aware of:

1. The “Helpful” Photographer: Beware of overly friendly strangers who offer to take group photos with your phone or camera.
   • They may run off with your device, or have an accomplice watch where you store it so they can snatch it later
   • Instead, use a selfie stick or ask families with children or obvious tourists for photo help
2. The Distraction Game: A common tactic involves one person creating a scene or asking for help
   1. When you engage, their partner quickly and quietly rifles through your unattended bags
   2. Be especially alert if someone spills something near your setup or asks for medical assistance
   3. If you must help, take your valuables with you or ask a trusted neighbor to watch your spot
3. The “Lost” Item Search: Someone pretends to be look for a lost ring, watch, or phone near your beach setup
   • They use this as a cover to get closer to your belongings
   • They may even ask you to help search, trying to lure you away from your spot
   • Politely decline to help and stay with your belongings

Pro tip: If you notice suspicious behavior, alert the lifeguard or beach patrol. Many popular beaches now have plainclothes security specifically watching for these types of scams, especially during peak tourist season.

Special Considerations

Managing medical devices and essential items requires extra attention for mature travelers. Certain items can’t be left behind or replaced easily, whether at a busy ocean beach or a quiet lake in a national park.

1. For hearing aids:
   • Bring a small waterproof container specifically for storage
   • Pack extra batteries in a separate waterproof case
   • Consider investing in water-resistant hearing aids if you’re a frequent swimmer
   • Keep cleaning supplies in your beach bag for sand removal
2. For prescription eyewear:
   • Bring a hard case and a cleaning cloth
   • Use a floating strap for glasses when near water
   • Keep a backup pair in your hotel room

Pro tip: Consider bringing a small cooler and putting your valuables in there. Thieves are less likely to take something they presume is holding a bunch of water bottles, and you can always keep the sunscreen and aloe very lovely and cool in there.