Summer vacation often means spending several days in Boracay to enjoy its clear waters and iconic white sand. While it may seem like a beach getaway is all sunshine and fun, there are some hidden dangers you’ll want to avoid. Make sure you follow these beach safety tips the next time you visit Boracay:

Keep Your Masks On

Make sure you pack some face masks when you travel to Boracay. Although Philippine authorities no longer require face shields to be worn when out in public, Boracay authorities do require people to wear their face masks in public areas. In fact, there are authorities who patrol the beaches to make sure people follow this safety protocol. Some people are lucky and get off with a verbal warning, but some may face a fine. With that in mind, it’s best to keep your face mask on when not in the water or eating.

Make Sure You Stay Clear of the Sun at Noon

Most people apply a good amount of sunscreen on themselves before enjoying a day at the beach. However, sunscreen won’t block everything, no matter how high its SPF rating. As such, it’s a good idea to stay out of the sun from about noon to 4 PM when the UV rays are harshest. Fortunately, this falls right around lunchtime for most people, so make sure you seek shelter from the sun in a popular restaurant like La Plaza.

Stay Hydrated by Bringing Your Own Water Bottle

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to dehydration fairly quickly if you aren’t careful. This is especially true if you’ve been making the most of your vacation by playing a rousing game of beach volleyball or enjoying any of the water sports on offer on the island. Make it easier for yourself to stay hydrated by bringing your own water bottle, preferably a refillable one like a double walled water bottle. Not only do these help keep you hydrated, but they also help reduce plastic waste.