Research has shown that children who take part in beach holidays are happier as adults.
Scientists claim that being surrounded by nature makes us feel calmer and reduces stress.
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A study found that those who spent more time in the water, rivers, canals, and lakes as children were happier as adults.
They were also more likely be outside, which is good for their mental health.
Researchers at Rome and Exeter universities used data from 16,000 individuals in 18 countries to create their models.
Study author Valeria Vitale said: “Growing detachment from the natural world may be a factor in poor mental health.
“This shows that exposure to blue spaces in childhood is positively linked with adult well-being.
“It supports the need to encourage childhood visits to them.”
Regular trips to rivers and lakes also boost kids’ health — even in landlocked countries such as the Czech Republic.
An estimated 5.3million people reside in coastal towns in England or Wales. A total of 15 million seaside trips are made each year.