Holiday Health & Protection

BLUE BOTTLES AND OTHER STINGING NUNU'S
Obtain a product called "Stingose" from your pharmacy and pop it in your beach bag. Watch out for allergic reactions especially if you are allergic to bee's. If your chest feels tight and you feel faint after a sting, get to a doctor or hospital.

URCHINS
To avoid stepping on one of these gogo's wear slops when swimming in rock pools, as they tend to hang on side walls of tidal pools. If you have the misfortune of a close encounter with one, (usually a couple of pitch black assegais impaled in your feet) immediately place your foot in a bucket of hot water, (don't burn yourself) for +/-10 minute. This denatures the venom (which is not lethal on OUR coast). Your body will reabsorb the spines in time. You MUST see a doctor as soon as possible, who will clean and dress the area to prevent infection.

SUNBURN
Use a minimum SPF 30+ or you will die. UV levels at the moment indicate that a half hour "roast" in full sun without protection almost guarantees you a basal cell carcinoma (rodent ulcer) in your later years. There is no effective remedy for severe sunburn. Once you've had it - you've had it... If it blisters you have a second degree burn - see your doctor.

LAGOONS
Bacterial counts can be high in lagoons, so avoid your kids wallowing in them as the may be afflicted with some sort of ear infection or diarrhea.

The following safety tips have been provided by the lifesavers who patrol the main swimming beaches along the coast.

• When arriving at the beach it is important to look out for the lifeguards and to ascertain whether they are on duty - lifesavers wear red and yellow clothing thus being easily recognisable in summer crowds.

• Make sure you know the local beach conditions - tides, channels, winds and breakers as well as rocky outcrops.

• The lifesaver's instructions must be obeyed and one should bathe between the red and the yellow beach beacons.

• Do not bathe at untended water areas and not alone or at night or dawn as this can be the cause of drowning accidents.

• If you are not a strong swimmer, it is advisable that you do not enter the water further than knee deep and all swimmers must swim in line with the shore, making sure you do not have to swim far if you get tired.

• Young children should be watched at all times and it is advisable that they are under the supervision of responsible adults.

• Do not swim near pipes, rocks, breakwaters or piers and it is important to know what is below the surface - if in doubt don't dive.

• Don't swim directly after eating, or if you have been drinking alcohol - remember, "drinkers are sinkers"!