Camping by the sea in Kuwait can be one of the best nights of the year, or one of the most tiring. The difference is usually preparation done before the tent goes up.
The golden rule is simple: pitch your tent well back from the waterline, not at the edge of the water. The sea can return faster than you expect, especially while you are asleep.
During spring tides the water rises higher than usual and covers ground that looks perfectly dry. Leave a clear safety margin and never trust the shape of the sand at low tide.
Pick slightly higher ground and secure the tent properly. Even if the sea looks far away when you arrive, picture the highest expected water level before you choose the final spot.
Shamal winds can change conditions quickly, turning calm water into a strong swell in a short time. What you saw in the morning is not proof of what you will find at night.
Before and during your trip, the B7R app gives you tide times for Shuaiba and Shuwaikh ports along with current sea state. Checking that before you fix your spot saves a lot of worry.
If you notice a sudden change in the wind or the colour of the water, do not wait. Pack up and move to safer ground; in a risky situation, time matters more than your gear.
A BBQ is part of the fun, but it is also the leading cause of campsite accidents when ignored. Never light a fire near dry grass or inside sabkha ground, and never leave it unattended.
Sabkha and soft sand can look firm on the surface but swallow a car easily. Avoid parking or driving across these patches, and pick solid, known ground instead.
If you do take the risk, make sure someone else knows your location and can reach you.
Leave the spot cleaner than you found it and carry your rubbish bags back with you. Plastic waste harms the beach and marine life, and spoils the place for the next family.
Bring enough lighting for the tent and the walkway, and do not move across the sand in the dark without a light. Tell your family your location and expected return time, and agree on a clear meeting point with your group.
Also pack a basic first aid kit, tissues and plenty of drinking water, especially if children are with you. Children can wander towards the water without noticing, so never take your eyes off them.
Before every trip: check the tides, choose higher ground away from the water, and prepare water or a fire extinguisher. Small steps protect your family, your gear and your time.
Because safety starts with good information, follow tide times and sea state in the B7R app before you pack the tent.
Download it free on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r