Beach clubs make for amazing days out for locals and travellers alike in many destinations. From the pulsing dance floors of Ibiza, to the luxurious infinity pools of Bali, to the laid-back shores of Tulum, the food, drink and general vibe bring crowds running.
But with the fun comes some risk, though beach clubs are generally pretty safe, and things like the heat and sun, or the water, can ruin your day if you let them. This guide will help you navigate your way around the beach club scene, wherever you are in the world, safely.
Shielding Against Heat And Sun
We should stress that most beach club environments are super safe, and you’re unlikely to face too many challenges in pursuit of good times. However, there’s no doubt that the number one risk factor that could spoil things is the sun and the heat.
Sunburn and heat stroke are absolutely no fun at all, and they’re easy enough to avoid. Make sure to use sunscreen (SPF – Sun Protection Factor – 30 or higher) and slather it all over you before you go out and reapply it every couple of hours or after swimming.
Add in a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses, and you will give your face and eyes the protection that they deserve. We’d also recommend a light cover-up shirt to protect your shoulders and neck in the heat of the day.
One pro-tip is to stake out an area with some shade from umbrellas or trees, or to hire a cabana to ensure you have an escape from the sun at any time you need it.
You must also hydrate on a regular basis. Sip water every single hour of the day (or better still, isotonic drinks which provide salts as well as water). If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or your skin is clammy, these can be warning signs of heat exhaustion.
So, if you get them, it’s a good idea to move to a shaded area, down some isotonics (or coconut water in a pinch) and chill out for a bit. Lay off the alcohol while you’re feeling this way, too.
You can reduce sun exposure by timing your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to miss the worst of the heat.
Some beach clubs have air-conditioned areas where you can get a bit of relief from the heat when it’s getting too much for you. Misting stations are also pretty common.
You can also help to keep the heat at bay with wise clothing choices. Go with layers and choose breathable fabrics to keep you cool; moisture-wicking helps too.
When it comes to shoes, water shoes or sturdy sandals can be a lifesaver when rocks lurk under the surface of the beach.
Mastering Water Safety
As the name suggests, most “beach clubs” are by the beach, and that means you will often have the opportunity to get in the water.
We would note that it’s almost always safer to get in the pool at a beach club than to jump in the ocean. This is particularly true on coastlines like that in South Bali, where the tidal currents can be brutal and pull even the best swimmers out to sea.
Before you dive into the water anywhere, check to see if there’s a lifeguard around. No lifeguard should make you extra wary of the sea, in particular.
Learn to read beach flags – red means don’t swim under any circumstances, yellow means be careful and green means safe waters.
If you are unlucky enough to get caught in a rip current, don’t fight it; swim parallel to the shore until you are free, then head back to the beach. You will quickly tire yourself out otherwise.
Most of all, when you swim, don’t swim alone and never, ever swim drunk. Alcohol can lead to the finest swimmer getting into serious trouble. Stay in the pool if you’re ever in doubt.
If you are going kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, jet skiing, etc., make sure to get a safety rundown from the staff before you start. Check that all the equipment provided is in good condition and ask for a swap if it’s not.
Wear a life jacket if one is provided. This is especially important if you’re a beginner or a weak swimmer. Some beach clubs will run guided tours of the local beach environment and explain things like coral pools and jellyfish as they do.
In the pool, watch for slippery surfaces around the edge of the water and don’t dive into shallow areas of the pool. Children and weak swimmers should always be supervised in the pool; don’t rely on the lifeguards for this.
Teaching people to tread water or to float helps them to build confidence to tackle the pool by themselves. Water activities should be a highlight of a beach club trip, not a hazard to be afraid of.
Drinking Responsibly
Many, not all, beach clubs are all about the party vibe. There’s nothing better than spending time at FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, for example and enjoying some cold beers and expertly crafted cocktails.
However, as with establishments serving alcohol all over the world, problems can arise when people overindulge. Falls, arguments, and worse can take place, particularly in the boiling heat of the tropical sun, where many beach clubs are.
It’s best to pace your drinking by switching to water every other drink, and to eat food on a regular basis to help slow down your alcohol absorption.
We should note that alcohol hits harder in the heat if you’re not used to it. If you find yourself slurring your speech or with wobbly legs, do yourself a favour and stop until you sober up a bit.
Some beach clubs may step in and cut off guests who’ve had a few too many, but not all of them. Self-control is your friend when it comes to alcohol consumption.
We would also advise against taking drinks from strangers to avoid any possibility of drink spiking.
If you are drinking, arrange a sober driver or a ride-share ahead of time. We’d also note that in some parts of the world, openly carrying drinks once you leave a club can be against the law. Check regulations before you go and avoid those fines.
It also helps to go with friends who can keep an eye on you and let you know when it’s time to stop. This way, you can all enjoy good times without anything getting derailed.
Securing Your Valuables
Not all beach clubs are havens of thieves, but there’s no doubt that a big, crowded place will often offer opportunities for thieves, especially when people leave their bags unattended while swimming or dancing.
We recommend using lockers if they are available; otherwise, bring a waterproof pouch that you can lock to a chair or lounger. Carry one card and the cash you need for a day, stash your passports and valuables in the hotel safe, and don’t take them to a beach club.
It’s a good idea to install a tracking app on your phone. Find My Device can help you find it if your phone goes missing.
When you’re moving around, a crossbody bag or a money belt can keep things secure. It’s also a good idea to split your cash between pockets (or members of your group) to limit potential losses if something does go wrong.
Thinking About Health And Hygiene
Global crowds are awesome for days out, but they also bring bacteria and other germs you’ve never encountered before to leave on surfaces, etc.
So, always wash your hands before you eat and carry hand sanitiser just in case you can’t get to the bathroom.
Then, rinse off sand and salt from your skin in the showers to prevent yourself from getting a skin infection or irritated skin.
Then, when you eat, stick to freshly prepared items; buffets are a notorious germ magnet in the heat.
Pay attention to your allergies, too. What ingredients are in the food items or cocktails? Always ask before you consume.
Insect repellent comes in handy as well; mosquitoes are a pain in some places, and sandflies are even worse in others.
And we’d recommend talking to your doctor and staying current with any necessary vaccinations before you travel anywhere new.
Finally, make sure to have footwear that protects your feet from broken glass or sharp stones, shells, etc., on the beach.
Dealing With Social Interactions
While beach clubs are amazing social hubs, it can help to remember that not every guest has good intentions.
It’s best to stick to your friendship circle when parties heat up and have a meeting point to regroup if you get split up.
Decline invites to private areas, parties and for drinks if someone is being pushy about it. If you have any concerns about something, talk to the beach club’s security team; that’s what they’re paid to deal with.
It helps to avoid infringing on local customs, too. In some beach clubs, you will need to wear fairly modest clothing in dining areas, etc.
Consent should guide every interaction with others, and setting and respecting boundaries is an essential part of being around people.
Try to ensure you’re aware of your surroundings wherever you are. And while it’s cool to swap personal details with new connections, make sure you’re a little cautious on this front all the same.
Being Ready For Emergencies
It doesn’t hurt to take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the layout of a beach club because, in a pinch, it could save your life or someone else’s.
Look for exits, first-aid kits, and staff gathering points. Have a mobile phone with you that has all the local emergency numbers in it and your embassy contact details.
It can help to have a translation app handy if you don’t speak the local language, and weather apps can help you track storms, high winds, etc.
While most clubs have medical staff on hand for serious issues, a few band-aids and paracetamol in your bag can’t hurt.
If something like a tsunami or earthquake warning occurs, follow the staff’s directions to stay safe.
Watching Kids And Pets (When Necessary)
Not all beach clubs admit children and/or pets, but some do, and it’s important to remember that beach clubs are not babysitters or pet sitters. Always make sure you have your eyes on your kids, and assign an adult to directly monitor children if they are directly near water and help them to set rules that keep them in sight.
Use kid-safe sunscreen and hats to keep them from burning, and make sure to pack snacks (if they’re allowed in the beach club) to help them keep their energy levels constant all day long. Most of all, teach your kids not to go off with strangers and to stick to the play areas of the club.
In pet-friendly beach clubs, make sure to confirm their exact policies regarding pets before you visit. Dogs should be leashed, and always have water and shade available to them.
You should immediately clean up any waste and watch your animal for potential signs of overheating when they’re on the sand.
Social pets are likely to handle the crowds at beach clubs better than solitary ones.
Navigating Naughty Nightime Vibes
The parties at night in many beach clubs bring lights, music and even more crowds. This can be a great thing for the atmosphere, but it can also increase safety risks.
Make sure you stick to well-lit, marked paths and avoid dark stretches of the beach. Loud music can make talking difficult, so you can use SMS services or even hand signals to stay connected. It helps to know when closing time is so that you can get out of the club just before the main rush begins.
Some beach clubs may offer easy access to illicit substances, but given the legal environment most beach clubs are in, it’s best to avoid the buzz and steer clear. Pace your drinks and maintain your self-control.
Respecting The Environment
The environment around you can also provide thrills and risks in equal measure. Tides, for example, can shift super quickly, and you don’t want to end up trapped in deep water or an isolated stretch of the beach. Check your tide charts carefully and try to stay close to the shore.
Keep your distance from wild animals and seabirds; this can help you avoid both being bitten and, in some places, being fined for disturbing the creatures.
Always put your trash in bins, and it’s better to follow eco-friendly trends when they’re OK with the club, like using reusable drinking glasses, etc.
Try to support any green initiatives that a club gives you the chance to participate in, as it helps to prevent damage to the environment for future visitors.
A good environment promotes safety as a matter of course.
Managing Crowds
Peak hours tend to see clubs getting crowded. This can make moving around tricky. It’s best to arrive earlier than the crowd and claim your daybed or table.
When it is crowded, move slowly to help prevent spills and collisions. If the crowd around you feels unsafe, then tell the venue staff. Reputable venues do enforce capacity limits..
In the highly unlikely event of a stampede, move to the edge of the crowd and keep low. It can help to link arms with your group in these circumstances to stay together.
Staying patient around the bar and around entrances/exits can promote positive interactions with other beach clubbers and keep tensions to a minimum.
Learning The Local Rules
Every place on Earth has its own laws and customs. It’s a good idea to obey them. Some places with beach clubs have no-drinking policies on beaches or ban the use of drones.
Always check the drinking age, dress codes and local etiquette to avoid fines and/or conflict.
It also helps to be aware of the local tipping culture; trying to duck the tip in Miami, for example, is going to cause a scene.
Overall, following the local rules helps you avoid legal issues and interact smoothly with others.
Using Tech Wisely
Don’t be afraid to use your phone. You can track tides, the weather, your friends’ locations and more with an app. Emergency service apps like the Red Cross First Aid app provide tips on accident management. Checking out reviews on Yelp and Google can help highlight the safest clubs.
We recommend taking a portable charger with you for the day to ensure you don’t run out of battery. However, tech is never a replacement for staying alert and observant wherever you are.
Recovering From Issues In Beach Clubs
If you suffer an injury or theft in a beach club, act fast. Make sure you report it to staff and document it properly for insurance purposes.
For minor problems, rest and hydration is often enough, but get to a clinic if things seeeem severe.
Choose Clubs With A Reputation For Safety
One of the best ways to stay safe is to choose clubs with a reputation for safety. We’ve tried to ensure that every beach club we recommend on this site, for example, has been selected because it can provide the standards of security and safety that we’d want to experience as guests.
Look at recent reviews on Google and see if there’s anything to be concerned about. While a single incident is usually a one-off, a beach club with daily patterns of issues might be best avoided until it has resolved its issues.
Final Thoughts On Beach Club Safety
In general, beach clubs are very safe environments. There is very little serious crime reported in beach clubs, and while natural disasters are beyond anyone’s control, mostly the real risks come from the sun, heat and alcohol.
Fortunately, it’s super easy to deal with the risks of these things and as long as you follow our tips above, you’re going to have a great day at the beach club of your choice.
