How to safeguard belongings at the beach?
 

The title sums it up.

Take the minimum needed for the day or find a locker, or one of your group stays behind

Simple answer is—you cannot.

The ingenuity and brashness of thieves is incredible. They know what they are doing—they will watch you walk to the water and then go to your blanket/chairs/canopy and just take your bag/wallet and walk away. I have watched videos of them just walking away with luggage or entire coolers from a hotel pool area. Nobody challenges them. Some first-time victims think by putting their valuables in the ice chest they will be safe because—who would steal ice or sodas? Thieves know.

Even if you have a small “safe” that is secured to your beach chair—they will just fold up the chair and mutter aloud (so your neighbors hear) “Looks like it is going to rain” and walk off with your valuables.” They will often chit-chat among themselves to disarm anybody within earshot.

Rule of thumb—only leave behind the stuff you are okay to lose. Buy some cheap $5 readers at WalMart or Costco. They will steal your $500 prescription sunglasses and leave them in the trash bin 100 feet away. Do not leave anything behind. No Kindles, phones, cameras, binoculars, etc.

Saw recently:
Crime in a fan-favorite summer vacation destination has reached new heights — with police now suggesting that beachgoers bring along their valuables while they are swimming in Honolulu, Hawaii's exquisite waters.

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) suggested to beachgoers in a social media post on Saturday to take their valuables into the ocean rather than leave them on the beach.

"For those enjoying the beach, don’t leave valuables unattended on the sand. Instead, use a waterproof bag that you can take into the water with you," the HPD said.

Going to need a bigger bathing suit.

You won’t need much if you go to a nude beach.

For what it is worth, do NOT use a ziploc-type bag. NOT truly waterproof. What you want is a bag available at REI or dive shops that come in various sizes. They are inexpensive. I use one for my cell phone when jet skiing. Just clip it through your PFD or something secure when in the ocean. Leaving some air in it after you've closed it up in what helps it to float for a few seconds should you lose track of it.

Here's a couple quick links, but I'm sure that Big Online retailer that rhymes with a river in South America has them also:

https://www.rei.com/product/218049/o...light-dry-sack

Sites-Columbia_US-Site

Lightweight Dry Bag View | Sea to Summit

No pockets

Take only your drivers license and one credit card. When unpacking the car, hide these two items in your trunk way under the mat. Take the key fob to the beach with you.... Just my $.02

We take a waterproof pouch, from rei. I keep medical/meds info card, which also has name & BD. Cash, one very old cell for outgoing emergency only calls. If I lose any of it no big loss.

Our cooler has a hidden compartment on the bottom that I keep key fob. Take a book not my devices. Have never had any issues.

We never had a problem at the beach. Secret is to play the buddy game. Get acquainted with your closest beach neighbor. You watch theirs and they watch yours. Leave any expensive jewelry and anything of real value at home. Don’t go into the water alone and check out the rip tide. Sunscreen is important in the Florida sun. Have fun!

"Never Lose Your Cash Again with This Clever Lip Balm Container Hack:
Going to the beach and worried about your money being stolen? Here's a simple trick. Take an empty lip balm container and remove the inside part that twists up the balm. Then, roll up your money into a small cylinder shape that fits inside the container, making sure that the money sticks up enough to easily grab it.

Depending on the size of your money and the lip balm container, you might need to fold the money in half before rolling it up. Just remember not to use the lip balm container for its original purpose, as it may have cash residue on it which doesn't protect your lips from the sun!"

lifehackguru.com

Leave your wallet and phone locked in your car. Carry a few bills if you need some cash. Keep car keys on you at all time.

If I don't have an airtight bag for my shorts, while on vacation to a beach, after a while sitting, I bury my keys and money for lunch under the sand. Then take turns watching that area. Nothing lost so far. Mexico was the only place I lost anything in Cozumel.

Keep them in your boat with you or someone in your party. Avoid bad weather.

Buy a small private island.