Most Common Beach Injuries This Summer
Many Californians enjoy the beaches during the summer, but it’s important to remember a few of the most common types of beach injuries. Nothing can ruin a day at the beach faster than a serious injury, so keep the following list in mind and prepare accordingly for your next beach trip in San Diego.
Sunburn
The sun in San Diego is harsh, as the area receives very little cloud cover or precipitation. Beachgoers, especially young children, should always wear sunscreen with a high SPF value. It’s also important to reapply sunscreen regularly if you stay on the beach for an extended time. Some types of sunscreen are waterproof while others are not, so take this into account if you plan to do any swimming. Hats, beach umbrellas, and even small tents where permitted can help limit your exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Sunburn occurs when a person spends too long in direct sunlight without proper protection. Exposed skin will become red and irritated, and severe sunburn can be extremely uncomfortable. Sunburn is also a type of radiation burn, and overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays can increase a person’s chances of developing some types of skin cancer.
Wildlife-Related Injuries
The ocean is teeming with wildlife, and some creatures on the beach can cause issues, as well. Jellyfish do not necessarily attack humans, but a swimmer who brushes a jellyfish in the water will likely suffer a sting. It’s also possible to suffer a jellyfish sting from stepping on a dead one on the beach. Sand fleas, mosquitoes, and dune flies can also cause painful bites that can become irritating rashes, so beachgoers should use insect repellent when necessary.
Alcohol-Related Injuries
Although many people like to drink during the summer, most public beaches ban alcohol consumption, as drinking alcohol at the beach is dangerous. Beaches generally receive less cloud cover than the mainland, so sun exposure and dehydration are a serious issue for anyone who consumes too much alcohol.
Drowning
It’s vital to remain in designated areas if you intend to swim, and never enter the ocean without a lifeguard present. Even if you are confident in your abilities as a swimmer, the ocean is unpredictable, and swimming alone is incredibly dangerous. Night swimming is especially dangerous due to the increased activity of sharks and the difficulty of spotting an individual lost among the waves at night.
Cuts and Puncture Wounds
The surf may be full of shells and shell fragments that can cause cuts. Driftwood, debris, sharp rocks, shells, and other hazards may also cause puncture wounds. Saltwater will cause small cuts to itch or burn, so it’s a good idea to wear water shoes to prevent these injuries. Beachgoers may be able to treat small cuts and wounds with over-the-counter first aid supplies, but larger and deeper cuts may require professional medical attention.
Injuries From Running Through Sand
Many people enjoy running and playing sports on the beach, but it’s vital to remember that running on sand is more dangerous and more difficult than running on a solid road or sidewalk. Sand can change consistency based on water content, and varying areas of moisture can make a runner’s path uneven. Suddenly stepping from wet to dry sand or vice versa can lead to muscle sprains, ligament damage, and other soft tissue injuries.
If you plan to visit one of San Diego’s beaches this summer, you can prevent these injuries by preparing for your days at the beach and following posted rules. If you have questions about your area’s laws concerning beach activity, your local municipality or police station should be able to help. If your injuries were brought on because of someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to call our personal injury lawyers.