BEACH DAYS & WATER ACTIVITIES: A GUIDE TO USING YOUR CGM SAFELY

A day at the beach is one of the best parts of  summer, salty air, sunshine, swimming, long walks on the sand. But if you use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), you might wonder how to keep it safe while enjoying water activities, heat, sand, and sunscreen.

The good news? You can absolutely enjoy the beach and stay active in the water. You just need to take a few extra steps to protect your device and keep your glucose monitoring accurate. Here’s everything you need to know for a stress-free beach day with your CGM.

WHY THE BEACH CAN BE TRICKY FOR CGM USERS

Your CGM works hard to help you manage your diabetes, but the beach environment adds a few challenges, with the right prep, all of these are manageable.

• Heat can affect adhesives and sensor accuracy.
• Saltwater and chlorine can loosen patches or cause sensors to peel.
• Sunscreens and oils can interfere with adhesives and make sensors slip.
• Long swims may exceed your device’s waterproof rating.
• Activity changes (walking, swimming, paddleboarding) can impact blood sugar.

1. CHECK YOUR CGM’S WATER RATING BEFORE YOU GO

Every CGM model has different waterproof guidelines. Most are safe for shallow water, but not all are designed for long swims or deep water. If you plan to snorkel, surf, or swim laps, you may need extra protection.

General rules (always check your device’s manual):

• Safe for bathing and shallow swimming.
• Not designed for deep diving or high-pressure water.
• Maximum time in water is usually 30 minutes.

2. USE SECURING PATCHes TO KEEP YOUR SENSOR STUCK ON

The combination of heat, sunscreen, sweating and saltwater can make adhesive give up early.

To avoid your sensor peeling off:

• Use a CGM Overpatch. These are designed to keep your sensor firmly in place, even during long swims.
• Apply on clean, dry skin. Avoid applying sunscreen or body oil under or around the patch, it will make everything slip.
• Let your CGM adhesive cure before swimming. If you insert a new sensor, wait 8–12 hours before heading into the water. This gives the adhesive time to fully bond to your skin.

3. PROTECT YOUR CGM FROM THE HEAT

• Your sensor can become unreliable if:
  • The skin underneath overheats
  • The transmitter gets too hot
  • You leave your device in a hot car or on a towel in direct sun
• Ways to protect it:
  • Stay in the shade when possible
  • Cover your CGM with a light UPF sleeve or band
  • Store your receiver/phone under your hat or bag, not on the sand
  • Avoid placing diabetes gear in direct sunlight
  • If your device gives a “high temp alert,” move to shade and cool down before relying on readings.

4. BE PREPARED FOR ACTIVITY-RELATED BLOOD SUGAR CHANGES

Swimming, paddling, beach walking, and playing beach volleyball all increase activity — which can lower your blood sugar faster than expected. Tips:

• Check your levels before going in the water
• Keep hypo treatment close to the shore
• Tell the people you’re with that you have diabetes
• Add glucose tablets in a waterproof pouch
• Avoid going into the water if you're already trending low

If you’re using Glucochews, they’re ideal because they:

1. Don’t melt
2. Act quickly
3. Are easy to keep in a beach bag and don’t get sticky like gels

5. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CGM FALLS OFF AT THE BEACH

It happens even with adhesive patches. If your CGM falls off:

• Dry the area
• Check your blood sugar with a meter
• Store the transmitter safely (if removable)
• Apply a new sensor later at home — not with wet or sandy skin
• Use finger-prick checks for the rest of the beach day

Always bring your backup meter in your bag.

6. EXTRA TIP: USE A WATERPROOF PHONE POUCH

Perfect for:

1. Keeping your phone dry (since most CGMs need a phone for readings)
2. Holding glucose tablets
3. Protecting your backup meter
4. Keeping everything together on the shoreline

Cheap, light, and makes beach days much less stressful.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Beach days and water adventures shouldn’t be off-limits just because you use a CGM. With the right prep, secure adhesives, heat protection, backups, and mindful planning. You can enjoy the ocean, stay active, and keep your glucose steady all summer long.

Explore our blog for more tips and resources.

Disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions about your condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 (US) or 000 (Australia) immediately, or visit your nearest emergency care center.