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For many, summer brings a long-awaited opportunity to slip away to a beach vacation. While the beach is full of excitement and relaxation, it’s also home to a variety of hazards that could cause all kinds of injuries. You might think sharks are the biggest threat. However, shark attacks are rare compared to many other dangers that cause injuries at the beach. Fortunately, when you know what to be aware of, you can be prepared for almost anything.
Most common injuries caused by beach hazards
Sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion
Sunburn is one of the most common injuries that occurs at the beach, resulting from too much direct UV exposure. However, there are many ways you can prevent sunburn. Consider avoiding the beach when the sun is at its peak in the middle of the day. And, be sure to generously apply (and reapply) sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 before stepping onto the beach. If you do get sunburnt, you can take ibuprofen and apply gentle moisturizer to alleviate discomfort. If you develop a fever or severe blistering, you should see a doctor.
In addition, too much time in the sun without enough fluid can cause dehydration, or even heat exhaustion or stroke. Be sure to drink enough water while on the beach, and seek shade whenever possible. It’s important to recognize the signs of dehydration early. If you feel lightheaded, faint, or dizzy, get out of the sun and drink plenty of water before your condition progresses into heat exhaustion or stroke. In addition, be aware that alcohol consumption can worsen dehydration, so keep that in mind if you’re bringing alcoholic beverages to the beach.
Cuts and scrapes caused by sharp beach debris and litter
Cuts, particularly on the bottom of the feet, are common on the beach. In addition to seashells and rocks, other sharp objects can be found on the beach, such as rusted metal, broken glass, food cans, and other unexpected litter. All of these can pose a potential risk to the skin. In areas with a lot of shells or debris, consider wearing shoes or sandals to protect your feet. You may want to bring a small first aid kit equipped with clean water, antibiotic ointment, and band aids to the beach to help manage simple wounds. If you get a deeper cut, apply pressure and seek medical attention.
Orthopedic injuries and concussions related to slippery or uneven surfaces
The sand and other surfaces at the beach can be surprisingly unsafe, posing potential risks for sprains, fractures, falls, or even life-threatening situations. For example, a fall on hard-packed sand or a slippery surface, such as a pier, can lead to bone fractures or even head injuries. Collisions in the ocean with other swimmers or rocks can also lead to serious injuries that may require medical attention.
Probably the most sand-related injuries are ankle and knee injuries caused by running on an uneven, soft surface like the sandy beach commonly. If you’re going to run or participate in physical activity on the beach, consider wearing sneakers. And, remember to stretch and warm-up before working out. If you do have an injury, apply ice, elevate, and take anti-inflammatory medications. If you have a significant sprain or potential fracture, you should see a doctor.
Shallow sand holes are primed for leg injuries, but deeper ones can also be incredibly dangerous. Sand can quickly collapse, trapping people in what otherwise seemed like a harmless hole or tunnel. Never make a hole deep enough for you or someone else to fall into, and if you do see a sand hole, help to fill it up.
Jellyfish stings, bug bites, and swimmer’s itch
If jellyfish have invaded the beach, it is best to stay out of the water. Jellyfish leave thousands of tiny stingers in your skin, which can continue to release jellyfish venom into the body. If you get stung by a jellyfish, do not scrape off the stingers. (And don’t touch a dead jellyfish, as their stingers are still capable of stinging you.) While you can use salt water to rinse it off, DO NOT wash it off with fresh water because that encourages more stinging cells to fire. And don’t fall into the myth about urinating on the sting…it won’t help. Some people recommend vinegar as a common remedy because it stops any stinging cells from delivering venom.
In addition, sand flea bites can be quite painful and itchy. Bites are more likely to occur at dawn or in the evening hours on the beach, causing a rash that can persist for several days. Similarly, swimmer’s itch is a common skin rash that can develop as an allergic reaction to certain parasites found in the ocean and other bodies of water. It can cause small, red bumps or blisters and mild to severe itching. Although it may be difficult, try to avoid scratching in either of these instances. Instead, use antihistamine and steroid creams to help alleviate any itching.
Food poisoning and burns from fire pits and beach grills
Hot temperatures make it easier for bacteria to grow on food, so there are a few simple guidelines you should follow to minimize your risk of food poisoning at the beach. Avoid leaving food out and keep any cold food on ice. If food has been out for a while, don’t eat it.
Speaking of heat, if you want to grill or make a fire on the beach, be sure to check local signage to see if there are any rules against it. Flying sparks and embers can cause burns, as can directly coming into contact with the grill or fire pit. If you get burnt, gently wash the area with soap and water before applying antibiotic ointment and covering with gauze. You may need to seek medical attention for more severe or large burns.
Other dangers to be aware of at the beach
The relative risk of a shark attack is pretty rare, but of course the ocean itself poses a threat, as rip currents can be dangerous for even the strongest swimmers. Consider choosing a beach with lifeguards. In addition to watching the water, lifeguards are looking out for other potential dangers, such as wind-blown umbrellas on the loose and thunderstorms. If there is thunder, always seek shelter and wait 30 minutes before returning to the beach.
Finally, if you’re fishing, take care to avoid lodging a fish hook in your hand—or anywhere else. It happens pretty often, and if it becomes deeply embedded in the skin, it can be pretty painful to remove. For that reason, you may want to seek urgent care.
When to go to urgent care for a beach injury
While it may seem like danger lurks everywhere at the beach, being aware of your surroundings is one of the best ways to keep yourself from getting injured or sick. By exercising a bit of caution, you can still enjoy your vacation and lower the risk of it getting cut short due to an unexpected beach injury.
However, some injuries are just unavoidable. If you get hurt, MedStar Health Urgent Care is equipped to help care for non-emergent medical conditions. You may need urgent medical attention if you:
- Develop a fever
- Have signs of an infection (uncontrollable swelling, pain, or redness)
- Get a deep cut that requires stitches
- Have a fish hook, piece of glass, or splinter deeply embedded in the skin
- Experience a minor head injury
- Suspect a fracture (If a bone is sticking through the skin, go directly to the ER)
It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. If you suspect you’re injured or sick, a visit with our urgent care team can help to alleviate any discomfort and rule out something more serious.
We welcome walk-ins, and patients can also reserve their spot online. In addition, we accept most major insurance plans. To learn more or find a MedStar Health Urgent care near you, visit MedStarHealth.org/Urgent-Care.
