first heat..precautions

I think Gaby is strating to come into season, I've noticed that her vulva seems to be swollen and she seems to lick more often and has a decressed appetite....So other then the obvious precautions like not letting her out of my site while outside and keeping her on leash at all times from other topics I have red on here, should I totally avoid walks on the beach or were there may be unfixed males around?...would there be a chance to intercept if a male should happen to come around us?...I will be getting her spayed after this first heat, and I definitely do NOT want any accidents to happen...