1. Freeze cardboard juice boxes the night before.

2. Cover kids completely with high SPF waterproof lotion before you leave the house.

3. Bring extra t-shirts and have the kids keep them on.

4. Try to get them to keep baseball caps on as well.

5. Re-apply lotion to exposed areas frequently.

6. Bring enough toys so no one has to share.

7. Bring twice as many snacks along as you think you'll need.

8. Pack peanut butter, jelly, and a loaf of bread for sandwiches.

9. Set your towels and blanket up as close to the life guard station as possible.

10. Bring extra drinks and ice.

11. Don't make the first visit of the season or vacation an all day event.

Tips:

1. Kids won't eat a sandwich if the jelly has soaked into the bread or drink warm beverages.

2. Being near the life guard station reduces your panic level when you suddenly can't see them.

3. Set the time you're leaving and stick to it, the "no, not yet" will be quieter on subsequent days.

4. Last but not least, the personalized towels below have been popular for the younger set (and may help at bath time as well!).