Lens error

While using my ixus 220 hs last night I got the dreaded lens error message.The camera wasn't abused in any way.took it to the beach & park a couple of times but was never dropped in sand.Question is what more should I be doing to prevent this happening in the future?

Is there really nobody willing to give me any advice?

I guess people don't know what advice they can give you! Things just go wrong sometimes, through no fault of the user!

My advice would be that if you can't get it fixed, sell it on ebay as is. I've done that with all my broken cameras, normally get £20 for a camera that was only £80 when brand new and working!

Thank you, do I need to worry about taking my camera to the beach or outdoor activities,hiking especially because of the elements.salty air, humidity etc.The ixus is gone back to Canon, will know by next week if my camera's being replaced or not.