Best pool noodles: Big Boss (Robelle)  Even adults can use them.

Best affordable noodles for kids: Wacky Noodles

Best water gun: Poolmaster Water Pop Dual Pack Hot Shots Power Launchers  ( adults can shoot a stream up to about 40 feet away)

Best water-saving water gun: Nerf Super Soaker Scatterblast Blaster (Internal-reservoir model, five stream port)

Best sand-castle toy: Green Toys Sand Play Set (made from solid plastic, BPA-free, made from recycled milk jugs.)

Best pool floaties:  Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe (better and safer than water wings, supports your child's arms and chest with foam)

Things to remember about floaties: Inflatable water wings may give a sense of independence to your kids, but ultimately they are toys, not life saving devices. Experts suggest you not use inflatable devices, and use buoyant, foam-filled floaties). Lastly, keep watching your kids when they are in the water.

Best snorkel-mask combo: U.S. Divers Lux Snorkel Set (comfortable mask, widest view, along with okay set of fins and a carrying bag). Also worth checking out: Cressi Perla Mask and Dry Snorkel Set (smaller )

Best frisbee: Discraft Ultra-Star 175 ( fits perfectly in most people's hands, easy to grip and balance, used by professional frisbee players) 

Best bodyboard-fin combo: Morey Mach 7 42-Inch Boogie (Good for part-time frisbee players)

Best fins: Churchill Makapuu Fins (help you speed up fast, and cost less)

Best mesh tote: Saltwater Canvas Whale Bag (Best design so that sand easily falls through the mesh)

The mesh Saltwater Canvas Whale Bag is great for sandy, waterlogged beach items.