How to stay safe at the beach this summer
Looking forward to a beach escape
this summer?
Beach holidays are a treasured
Aussie tradition and a hallmark of the Australian summer. Make the most of your
coast trip by taking a few extra precautions to look after yourself and your
loved ones.
Sun protection
Sun exposure can cause skin cancer, sunburn, premature ageing, skin damage, and
damage to our eyes.
That’s why it’s absolutely
essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Seek shade or bring along
a beach umbrella or tent, wear a hat and sunglasses, and where possible, dress
in clothing that covers up your skin.
Wearing sunscreen is especially important when spending time on the beach — even on
overcast days. Choose a formula that’s at least SPF30 and ideally water-resistant.
You’ll need about 35mls of sunscreen to adequately cover your whole body, which
is about one teaspoon per limb, one teaspoon for your chest and abdomen, one
teaspoon for your back, and another teaspoon for your face. Be sure to get
someone to help you apply sunscreen on those hard-to-reach areas like your
back, or choose a spray formula that will help you reach these areas yourself.
You’ll need to apply sunscreen at
least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or after swimming,
sweating, or towelling off.
Bluebottles
Did you know that approximately
40,000 Australians are stung by bluebottles each year? They’re a type of
jellyfish that cause extreme pain and skin reactions when they sting.
Look out for bluebottles on the shore — if you spot one,
it’s possible that there are more hiding in the shallows.
If you or one of your family
members is stung, it’s important to stay calm. Find a beach-side shower
(they’re likely to be near a car park or a lifeguard tower) and wash the area
with warm water.
Panadol can help relieve the pain
until it subsides, but if your symptoms are worse or you’re experiencing
swelling, fever, nausea, or pain hours after the sting, you should seek medical
attention.
Water safety
Choose beaches that are patrolled
by lifeguards, and be sure to stay in between the red and yellow flags. Make
sure that you obey all safety signs as well as any guidance provided by the
lifeguards.
Teach your children to raise their
arm if they need assistance in the water. This helps the lifeguards to spot
them and provide assistance quickly.
Unless you’re a confident swimmer,
stick to the shallow water and avoid getting carried too far out by the waves.
Younger children should wear
floaties, and children should always be supervised at all times when in the
water.
Hydration
We lose lots of moisture through
sweat on hot days and when we’re active. If you’re on the beach and swimming in
the ocean, it can be easy to miss the signs of dehydration.
Staying hydrated is especially
important when you’re at the beach. Be sure to pack a water bottle filled with
cold water, and consider taking a hydration supplement with electrolytes to
replenish those lost through sweating.
By planning ahead and being
conscious of your safety, you can ensure that you make the most of your visit
to the beach and avoid accidents and injury.
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