A waterproof pouch - under your suit IMHO - would seem a sensible option. You could just take your swim stuff and leave all valuables at the hotel in the safe or lock box.

I have a waterproof pouch that goes around your waist. I guess I could wear it under my suit but I would definitely look ridiculous! I just wanted to see what other solo travelers do when they go to the beach and want to swim. I'd like to be able to have my phone with me and a few dollars.

I have to say that I never take electronics to the beach as there is a chance they will get sand in them. I only take swim things and a bit of money at the bottom of my bag.

i remember seeing some advert with a floating storage ~~ which double as your waterproof camera buoy.

Not too big small enough for some small cash, ID (or photocopy of them), and some keys. It is the size of a 250ml water bottle. Cellphone smartphone is not really possible to store in them.

I use Aquapac pouches http://www.aquapac.net/

If you need to take valuables to the beach then a pacsafe travel safe can easily be locked to a tree. I have a 5l and can get "everything" in it.

http://www.pacsafe.com/travelsafe-5l-portable-safe.html

Thanks everyone. I love the pacsafe idea.

Yes, I'm in the 'you look after mine and I'll look after yours' camp. I pick a likely couple or family to sit near and ask them to watch my stuff while I swim and then do the same for them when they go for a dip. You meet a lot more nice people that way than wearing a pacsafe. I take very little money, a bottle of water a towel, maybe a book and my room key. Valuables always stay locked in the room safe at the hotel. I have to admit to having a bit of a giggle every time I am on a Sydney or Melbourne beach and see people in the water weighed down with waterproof bulges carrying their worldly possessions. Just screams *TO U R I S T* You never see the locals doing it.

You get pretty good Water Proof packets for the iPhone and you can even keep some cash in with the phone. You should check out amazon they have some pretty good products for this.

re #8: "I have to admit to having a bit of a giggle every time I am on a Sydney or Melbourne beach and see people in the water weighed down with waterproof bulges carrying their worldly possessions."

Considering that a visitor *may* have been to other places, prior to the beach visit, why is it so odd that they might have more than minimal personal items? I would have, at very least, my mobile phone (for mapping?), cash, credit card, room key, transit card, and personal identification. Yes, it would be a bit bulky. I don't really see any other way to have less... Would probably feel comfortable leaving my small daypack/tote bag on the beach, though.