Sand, sun, surf … and stings?

Now that school — and the sun — is out and families are heading to the beach, parents are striving to keep sand and surf safety tips in mind. However, when we think “beach safety,” we usually think of swimming accidents caused by diving in shallow water, getting caught in riptides or receiving a beating in heavy waves.

Unfortunately, there are other threats at the beach that can turn a fun day outdoors into a far less fun visit to the local emergency room.

Dr. Asia Takeuchi, an emergency medicine doctor at Sharp Memorial Hospital, says the Emergency Department at Sharp Memorial sees a number of beach-related injuries this time each year. Among the most common concerns: stingrays.

"Stingrays like to warm themselves in the shallow water and can blend in easily with the sand,” says Dr. Takeuchi. “Shuffling your feet when walking in the surf may help to scare them away,”

According to Dr. Takeuchi, while stingray stings rarely turn into something serious, they can cause tremendous pain and become infected, especially if part of the barb remains in the skin.

“Most beaches have warm water bath ‘stingray stations,’” she says. “Head directly to a lifeguard station if you think you were stung.”

Requiring more than the ‘stingray shuffle’

Other problems people encounter during a day at the beach include burns from coals or embers left in the sand by beachgoers, or sunburns from not properly protecting your skin.

"Every summer, we tend to see cases of very bad sunburn," says Dr. Takeuchi. "It’s important to remember to apply and reapply sunscreen. Your sunscreen should have SPF 30 or more and protect against both UVA and UVB rays.”

Additionally, broken glass or other sharp items concealed by the sand can cut tender bare feet. And it’s essential to think about adequate hydration and food safety.

“We see several cases of heat exhaustion and food poisoning during the summer months,” says Dr. Takeuchi. “Remember to always have plenty of water with you and keep food appropriately packaged and cooled if you are going to be out for a while.”

Jellyfish, bad falls from a surfboard, and head or joint injuries sustained during beach games are just a few other complaints that send people to the emergency department. Knowing your limits, being responsible and keeping a sharp eye can prevent such mishaps, Dr. Takeuchi says.

Sand safety is essential

One surprising threat to summer fun: Digging in the sand. While it may seem danger-free, digging deep holes on the beach has proven to be deadly.

Earlier this year, a sand hole collapsed in Florida, killing a young girl, age 7. She and her brother were playing in the hole — estimated to be 5- or 6- feet deep — on a beach when the sand caved in. The boy, age 9, was hospitalized and later recovered.

“To the best of my knowledge, there have been no reported issues with serious life-threatening sand hole injuries in San Diego,” Dr. Takeuchi says. “I believe our decreased incidence of this issue is in large part due to our well-trained lifeguards providing diligent beach safety.”

However, for several reasons, Dr. Takeuchi recommends that adults always supervise young children at the beach, regardless of whether they are playing in the water or digging in the sand. “Any hole dug in the sand should never be deeper than the shortest person's knee height,” she says.

If a beachgoer experiences a sand hole collapse, Dr. Takeuchi says it's vital to alert the nearest lifeguard immediately. Call for help and work with others to try to uncover the person as soon as possible. “If they are not breathing or do not have a pulse, bystander CPR can be lifesaving,” she says.

San Diego beaches, says Dr. Takeuchi, are a gorgeous place to soak in the sun and sand. The goal, however, is to enjoy a beautiful day with your family, "not to spend your afternoon with me or my colleagues in the emergency department,” she says.

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