Here’s What Not to Do on the Beach so You Don’t Get Sick

If you are planning a day at the beach, know this simple fact:

The beach isn’t always as clean as you think.

Here are a few basic hygiene tips and precautions to take when enjoying your time on the sand.

Beaches and fine sand are home to many viruses, parasites and bacteria. Thankfully most of these are harmless. However, unlike seawater at regulated bathing spots, the quality and cleanliness of sand isn’t tested or monitored, and some beaches are cleaner than others.

To prevent fungal infections, skin diseases and other irritations this summer, try getting into good hygiene habits.

Here are your simple Beach Tips:

Beach Tip 1: Don’t lie down directly on the sand to limit the risk of fungal infections.

Lay out a straw mat, a rug or a thin beach mat under your towel, which should be washed or changed frequently.

Beach Tip 2: Shower as soon as possible

• If there are showers on the beach, do it there.
• Minimally, wash your hands and feet before heading home.
• Wash bathing suits and towels as often as possible.
• Watch your kids when they play in the sand.

Beach Tip 3: Make sure babies and young children don’t eat sand

Also teach them not to put their hands in their mouths after touching or playing with sand.

Beach Tip 4: Use an antiseptic hand gel regularly to keep hands clean

• Do this before eating.
• Sand can be home to the eggs of pinworms and ascaris worms, spread by cats and dogs.
• This can lead to infestations in the gut.
• These are unpleasant but aren’t usually serious.

Beach Tip 5: Don’t let babies or children play on the beach with no nappy or swimsuit

• Letting kids run around naked isn’t hygienic.
• Little girls risk catching vulvitis, a benign infection of the genitals.

Beach Tip 6: Don’t dig around in the sand with bare hands or dig deep

Micro-organisms, fungi and parasites may live deep in the sand and they could get stuck under your nails.

Beach Tip 7: Don’t leave any leftover food, waste food or rubbish on the beach

• Don’t bury it either.
• Take it home or find a bin.
• Being mindful of hygiene can ensure your day at the beach a safe one.

Beach Tip 8: Don’t take your dog or pet to the beach

While each beach or locality may have its own rules on whether dogs are allowed on the beach, animals are often forbidden for hygiene reasons.

Beach Tip 9: Be careful of bugs

• Bites and stings from sand fleas and sandflies can cause severe itching.
• Avoiding the beach around sunrise and sunset is particularly recommended.

Source: AFP Relaxnews