Ah, St. Simons Island … where the sun shines brighter, the shrimp are sweeter, and the seagulls are bolder than your Aunt Linda at karaoke night. Before you slip on your flip-flops and dive headfirst into vacation mode, let’s talk safety. Here are a few things you should absolutely do to avoid turning your relaxing getaway into a cautionary tale.
1. Wear Sunscreen Like You’re Frosting a Cake
Seriously, unless you want to look like a boiled lobster by 2:00 p.m., slather on the sunscreen. And not just once! Reapply every two hours, especially after sweating, swimming, or wrestling a beach umbrella in a surprise gust of wind. Trust us, SPF 50 is your best beach buddy. Your future self (and your dermatologist) will thank you.
2. Hydrate or Regret It Later
Yes, that frozen daiquiri looks divine, but spoiler alert: it’s not hydrating. South Georgia sun is no joke, and neither is a dehydration headache that makes you feel like you headbutted a pelican. So drink water. Lots of it. Pretend you’re training for a “who can drink the most water without turning into a human waterfall” competition.
3. Respect the Wildlife—Especially the Bitey Kind
Those jellyfish in the surf? Not underwater jelly donuts. The raccoons by the trash cans? Not furry island tour guides. Keep a safe distance and resist the urge to feed or pet anything that hisses, stings, or gives you the side-eye. Nature is beautiful, but sometimes it also has fangs.
4. Don’t Mess with Mother Ocean
St. Simons has tides that move more swiftly than a toddler with a Sharpie. And that sandbar you walked to will disappear faster than your motivation on a Monday morning. Check the tide charts, obey warning signs, and don’t try to impress anyone by swimming to Florida. You’re on vacation, not an episode of Survivor.
Enjoy your island time. Soak up the scenery, not just the sun, and keep these tips in mind so you go home with memories instead of medical bills.
