Safety first at the beach

However, there are five common minor injuries that occur at the beach, according to the South African Lifesaving organisation’s website.

• Jellyfish or bluebottle sting

Jellyfish and bluebottle stings are one of the most common injuries one can get at the beach. You may not notice them in the water or realise you have been stung, but after a while, an intense burning sensation will tell you have been stung.

One should scrape off any remaining mucous-like tentacles using an ice cream stick or credit card so toxins don’t get transferred elsewhere. Rinse the stings in seawater, not fresh water. Bluebottle injuries must be seen to by a doctor immediately, as they can result in a cut or puncture wound that bleeds, becomes swollen and causes systemic reactions such as seizures or an elevated heart rate.

• Swimmer’s Ear

If you experience a sharp pain inside your ear a day or so after swimming, you may have an infection known as swimmer’s ear.

Swimmer’s ear is caused when water collects inside your ear canal, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial infection. “If it feels worse when you pull on your ear lobe, that’s a tell-tale sign it’s swimmer’s ear,” said the organisation.

• Dehydration

Before you even hit the beach, you should be well hydrated.

“Drink enough fluids so that your urine appears light yellow to clear,” said the organisation. If you’re not peeing every couple of hours, or you start to feel nauseous, dizzy or weak, get out of the heat and into a cool environment. Drink cool fluids and sports drinks to replace electrolytes and rehydrate.

• Bee stings

Sweet treats and ice creams at the beach attract bees. The organisation said the sting should be removed with a credit card or a flat object. Ice should be placed on it to reduce swelling, and a mild pain killer can be taken.

• Sun burns

You can wear a full body suit or avoid the sun at all costs – or you can use sunscreen. Sun burn prevention is vital, so lather up with sunscreen, and use sun hats and umbrellas. However if you should get burnt, use cooling aloe vera gels to help soothe the pain.