Sand in Speedplay cleat

My covers came off while I was in some sand. Does anyone know if I can just rinse them off and then lube them?

Yes.
If a squirt from your water bottle doesn't get them working, then try a steadier stream of water. I had this happen once, when I was stopped in the parking lot of a beach. It took a bunch of squirts from my bottle, but I did get it out and clipped in.

I would try vacuuming them first, you run the risk of chasing sand in to the mechanism, so at least give it a try.

Thanks to both of you!

Take a very thin piece of wire, like a straightened paper clip, and run it between the spring and edge of the plastic. There is a small space there. If you push on the spring you'll see where I'm talking. I have the X pedals and have gotten small stones and mud in that space. The dirt keeps the spring mechanism from working properly. It's not a big deal to take the cleats off and clean them. If you do be careful not to tighten the screws too tight as you won't be able to clip in.