Staying Safe at the Beach
By Dr. Navaporn Puangpakisiri
The hot summer sun makes a beach trip super tempting, especially in Thailand with its year-round sunshine! It's a perfect way for families to chill out and make awesome memories together during the summer break. But remember, safety always comes first! Here are some essential tips to keep your beach trip fun and safe for everyone.
Common dangers and how to prevent them
1. Seasickness and dizziness
When traveling by boat, the swaying motion of watercraft can trigger motion sickness, causing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. This can put a damper on the excitement before you even reach your destination.
How can I prevent seasickness?
Contrary to popular belief, an empty stomach worsens seasickness. Eat a light meal before your boat trip, chew slowly, and rest for 30 minutes before boarding. Choose seats in the middle of the vessel for better stability and avoid focusing on waves or reading while on board. Consider taking over-the-counter medication 30 minutes before the trip if you're prone to motion sickness.
2. Venomous marine creatures
The beauty of the underwater world comes with hidden dangers. Jellyfish, fire coral, and sea urchins can inflict painful stings or punctures if accidentally touched when swimming or exploring.
How can I keep my family sting-free?
Research the area beforehand to be aware of common jellyfish threats. Avoid swimming during jellyfish warnings. Remind your whole family (not just the kids!) to refrain from touching unfamiliar marine life and wear protective footwear when walking on the seabed.
3. Heatstroke
Don't underestimate the sun's power! Spending long hours under the direct sun or in areas with poor ventilation can lead to heatstroke, a serious medical condition.
How can I avoid heatstroke?
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Aim for at least two liters daily. Seek shade during peak sunlight hours (typically between 10am and 4pm) and wear a hat whenever you’re outdoors. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and consult your doctor if you have any chronic health conditions before your trip. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a comprehensive guide on preventing heat-related illnesses, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours (1).
4. Drowning
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, especially among children. Strong currents, unexpected waves, and venturing out too far can quickly turn a fun swim into a tragedy.
How can we stay safe in the water?
Ensure everyone, especially non-swimmers, wears a life jacket when entering the water. Never swim alone, especially in areas with strong currents or high waves. Be mindful of designated swimming areas and avoid venturing near jet skis or boats. If caught in a strong current, stay calm and float with the current until help arrives. Don't waste energy trying to swim against it.
Keeping children safe at the beach
Children are especially vulnerable at the beach, so extra precautions are necessary. Here are some tips to ensure their safety and enjoyment:
- Constant supervision: Never leave young children unattended near the water, even for a moment. Waves can pull them in quickly, and drowning can happen silently and very rapidly.
- Life jackets are lifesavers: Invest in a well-fitting life jacket for your child and ensure they wear it whenever they're in or near the water.
- Sun safety for little ones: Sunscreen is crucial for children as well. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 and reapply frequently. Consider using a protective swim shirt and hat for added sun protection.
- Teach water safety basics: Even young children can learn basic water safety skills. Enroll them in swimming lessons and teach them the importance of staying calm in the water.
- Learn how to respond in an emergency: If an emergency does arise during your trip, it’s important to know how to respond. Providing first aid before emergency responders arrive can save a life.
By following these safety measures and being prepared to respond to emergencies, you can ensure a worry-free and enjoyable beach trip for you and your loved ones.
First aid for a drowning child
In the event of a child drowning, they must receive help within four minutes to prevent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. Immediate action is crucial in such a situation. Here's what you need to do:
- Shout for help or call 1669 for emergency medical services (EMS)
- Assess the situation:
Situation 1: If the child is still conscious, they should be rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible.
Situation 2: If the child is unconscious, evaluate their breathing and check for a pulse within ten seconds:
- If the child has normal breathing and you can feel a pulse, monitor until emergency responders arrive.
- If the child has a pulse but abnormal or no breathing, provide rescue breathing:
- Administer one breath every 2–3 seconds and chest compressions if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute.
- Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the nose closed and cover their mouth with yours, sealing the breathing system. Blow air into the child's mouth until their lungs fill with air. You should see the child's chest rise with each breath. Repeat 20–30 times per minute (or blow a breath into the child’s mouth every three seconds).
- If there is no pulse, or the heart has stopped beating, begin chest compressions immediately:
- For chest compressions, begin by pressing down on the center of the chest about one finger's width below the imaginary line between the two nipples. On older children, use the heel of the hand to press down on the chest. On smaller children, use two fingers instead.
- Press down on the child's chest so that it compresses about one third to one half the depth of their chest.
- For the frequency of the compressions, if you are performing one-person CPR, without the help of an assistant, give 30 chest compressions and then two rescue breaths. In the case of two-person CPR, give 15 chest compressions and then two rescue breaths.
- Continue alternating chest compressions with rescue breaths as described above until emergency units arrive or you reach the hospital.
- Check the child's pulse and breathing every two minutes.
Photos from Canva.
Bibliography
Booth, S. (2024) Drowning Treatment. WebMD. webmd.com/first-aid/drowning-treatment
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022) Drowning Prevention. cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html
Takov. V., and Tadi. P. (2023) Motion Sickness. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539706/
References
1. World Health Organization. (2018) Heat and Health. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health
About the Author
Navaporn graduated with first-class honors and attained her medical degree from Chulalongkorn University. Opting for pediatric pulmonology, she was drawn to the vibrant and playful energy of children. Presently, she is employed at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital while nurturing a passion for travel and exploring new destinations.