Winter didn’t feel very rough—until it suddenly decided to be. But as the days grow longer and the temperature starts to rise, hope of warm, sandy beaches and refreshing swims start to rise, too.

If you are looking for waterfront options, whether beach or pool, there are options in our area. Some are a bit cost-prohibitive, though, so it is always best to do your homework beforehand and check the latest parking and entrance fees—for residents and non-residents—before you plan a trek! Also check to see whether dogs are allowed if you want to bring your favorite furry friend.

(In other words, we’re not your go-to resource for the latest in area beach news and goings-on. We’re a podiatry practice.)

We do have a few possible suggestions for you and your family, though.

If you’re looking for some nice, small beaches that also come with grassy areas and a playground for the kids to play, Hudson Park & Beach may be worth a day trip. There is also a nice walking trail and great spots to sit and watch the boats go by.

Note that the Hudson Park beach itself does not tend to open until June, however—and only on weekends until June 25^th rolls around.

If you want to head inland instead, Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park in the Town of Warwick offers a sandy beach on Greenwood Lake. There is also a place for the kids to play, a picnic area, and a volleyball court. The beach opens on Memorial Day and, of course, membership rates will apply.

And if you prefer more of a poolside experience at your park, Rockland Lake State Park will have you covered. Overlooking the Hudson from a ridge on Hook Mountain, the park boasts a water complex with two large water slides, a splash park, and a nearly 25,000 square-foot pool. That’s almost 150 percent larger than the pools at the Olympics! Rockland Lake also has some lovely hiking trails, a picnic area with grills, several tennis courts, and fishing access.

Of course, your waterside time this year does not have to be limited to the area. You can always go anywhere else that has a beach and is in a much more suitably summery climate. Let’s face it: if you had the choice between the beaches of Nassau County, New York and those in Nassau, Bahamas, most of you would already be on the plane.

How to Protect Your Feet at the Beach and Pools

Regardless of where you spend your recreational time this summer, it pays to take measures to safeguard your feet from some of the more unpleasant conditions that might exist there.

We’re not just talking about hot sand, but also fungal infections, cuts, and other things that can make time in and around the water a lot less fun.

Fortunately, these actions aren’t difficult, and some you can even take care of before you even hit the road!

Have the Right Sandals

We are not asking you to buy fortresses for your feet. After all, there is a great deal of satisfaction in having your bare feet in the sand or water.

But you will need to wear something to get to and from the beach, and likely give yourself some protection against hot sand at times, too.

A cheap pair of flimsy flip-flops might feel like all you need, but these are a poor choice for your feet. They will not provide the stability and support you need while walking, and they tend to break rather easily, too. Just ask Jimmy Buffet.

Your beach sandals should be sturdier—likely a durable rubber—and provide support for your arches and overall stability to your movement. You probably don’t want to bring your more fashionable pairs of sandals, though, as those can get ruined rather easily.

You also can’t underestimate a good strap. You don’t want to accidentally step out of your sandal and have your foot make contact with burning sand or—even worse—blistering blacktop in the parking lot.

Guard Against Fungal Infections

If your time is more spent at public pools and water areas, you will want to invest in some shower shoes for areas that see a lot of barefoot traffic, such as shower rooms. Warm, damp areas such as these are where fungi that cause problems such as athlete’s foot and fungal toenails thrive.

And if there are areas to rinse yourself and your feet off after taking a dip in a public pool, use them. That’s what they’re there for!

Protect Your Feet from the Sun

The sand isn’t the only heat you should be cautious of when it comes to your feet. It’s often easy to overlook since we keep our feet inside our shoes more often, but the skin of our feet can suffer from sunburn as well.

So when you apply sunscreen, don’t forget to apply it to your feet as well. Also, sunscreen is not something you should wait until you’re just getting out of the car at your destination to apply. Sunscreen takes about 30 minutes to soak into the skin and get to maximum effectiveness, so apply it before you even head out and reapply it during the day.

Foot Care for the Beach and Beyond

Wherever you go in the coming months, the staff of Brook Valley Podiatry wish you and your family the best in fun and adventure!

Hopefully, you can keep your feet and ankles out of trouble, but we know that things can and do happen. If you find yourself in need of care, never hesitate to give our Spring Valley office a call at (845) 352-7507. If you prefer to reach us electronically, you can fill out our online contact form instead and a member of our office will reach out to you.