Everything You Need for a Perfect Day at the Lake

You've grabbed your bathing suit, coverup and sunglasses. Now, let's make sure you have everything else you need to enjoy a day on the water.

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June 20, 2019

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Towel Off

Have a stack of towels handy as you get in and out of the water, as well as to wrap up in as the temperatures dip with the sunset. Made from 100 percent Turkish cotton, these towels are fast drying, lightweight and eco-friendly.

Buy It: Hayneedle, $20.20

Cheers!

Say yes to the sun on your face, your feet in the water and a drink in your hand. This double-insulated, stainless-steel tumbler will make sure your drink stays cool until you're ready to pack it all up and head home. Customize the color and wording on each tumbler so that everyone can keep track of their cup all day.

Buy It: ClassyNSassyStudio at Etsy, $15

Party in the Water

Sit back and relax with these lounger floats. Stay close beside your friends by connecting the cup holders of two or more floats together — a cozy conversation area right in the middle of the lake.

Buy It: Target, $29.99

Stay Afloat

Make safety a top priority by having plenty of life jackets. Bring age-appropriate vests for everyone and consider if you need specific styles for any activities you plan on doing. This shorter life jacket with thin-back design is made so that you can sit in a kayak comfortably.

Buy It: Campmor, $109.95

Water-Smart Tech

There are few things that will dampen happy, lake-day vibes more than a dropped phone. Tuck your ever-present device in one of these floatable, waterproof pouches for complete peace of mind. Hang the strap around your neck when kayaking or paddleboarding to ensure you can always grab the perfect shot.

Buy It: Amazon, $12.99

Play That Song

Long gone are the days of carrying a stereo to the dock to listen to the radio. This compact Bluetooth speaker takes up minimal space in your bag and allows you to listen to your favorite summer playlist with ease. The speaker comes with a strap to hang or attach to almost anything.

Buy It: Target, $49.99

Bringing Pets Along

And we can't forget about our furry friends. Water-loving pups can spend the entire day jumping and swimming in the lake, but like their two-legged counterparts, they can get tired. Make sure your dog is safe with a fitted life jacket that'll keep him buoyant and easy to spot.

Buy It: Amazon, $11.99-$30.99

Lakeside Chic

Fend off dock splinters in comfort and style. You can't beat these classic Birkenstocks remade in lightweight and flexible EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which is not only waterproof but doesn't contain any harmful substances.

Buy It: Birkenstock, $39.95

Vital Protection

Take home only wonderful memories, instead of bug bites and sunburns, from your day out with this all-in-one sunscreen and bug repellant. The non-greasy formula is deet-free, PABA-free and moisturizes with aloe and vitamin E.

Buy It: Amazon, $11.95

Playing in the Sun

Head out to the middle of the water on your paddleboard for exercise and a bit of an adventure. This Tough-Tec construction is ultra-stable, making it a great choice for beginners, families and even yoga.

Buy It: L.L.Bean, $779

Summer Living

Gather all your essentials in an easy-to-tote bag. This burlap carryall is oversized to handle all your day-at-the-lake needs and the woven design allows air to flow through so it'll dry out quicker.

Buy It: Urban Outfitters, $44

Pack a Picnic

Bring all your food necessities in one clever package. This picnic cooler has a divided main compartment to separate food and drinks, as well as storage for plates, acrylic wine glasses, silverware and napkins. The cooler is on wheels with a telescoping handle so you can roll it right on to the dock.

Buy It: Hayneedle, $101.99

Staying Cool

No one wants a warm beer or soda when you're basking in the sun. Take the can straight from the cooler to this vacuum-insulated Colster to keep your drink chilly even as the day heats up.

Buy It: Amazon, $24.99

Drying Out

Originally designed for moms to stow in their diaper bags, these wet bags are a smart addition to your lakeside tote. Throw your swimsuit and towel in this waterproof pouch to keep the rest of your stuff dry. Moms really do know best.

Buy It: Target, $15.75