by Scott Hayden

Created on: December 09, 2011   Last Updated: January 02, 2012

No tropical vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach. Beaches are enticing and quite romantic, and it's easy to get carried away and forget about the most important thing of all — safety. There are risks when spending a day at the beach, but being informed is the best way to avoid loss of possessions, pain, injury, or even a trip to the hospital. Here are some common hazards at the beach. 

Sunburn

Most beachgoers get burned at some point in their lives. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can burn unprotected skin within minutes, and that's all it takes to spoil a holiday. It will be several days before the pain subsides. Blond and red-haired people tend to burn faster because they have less melanin, a chemical in the skin that protects it from sun damage. The best way to prevent this is to apply liberal amounts of sunscreen on exposed skin, and do so frequently between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are most intense.

Heat Stroke

Also referred to as sun stroke, this is a serious beach hazard when a hot day gets hotter. The body loses its ability to cool itself by sweating, and the core temperature goes up to a dangerous level (higher than 40 degrees Celsius). Somebody with heat stroke can appear confused with hot, red, and dry skin. Find a shady spot if possible and drink plenty of water while visiting the beach. Heat stroke is a life threatening condition so it's important to get immediate medical assistance.

Dangerous Marine Life

Encounters with rare and exotic animals aren't unusual when visiting the beach. There are sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, crabs, octopuses, and many more. Quite a few of these organisms deliver horrendously painful bites and stings. The stonefish, which is said to be the deadliest fish in the world, lives in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Jellyfish look beautiful but it would be a big mistake to get too close to them. Don't try to capture anything that lives in or near the water, and wear sandals with thick soles when walking on the sand. Many of these animals bite and sting when they're stepped on. If there are signs telling visitors not to swim in the water because of the presence of sharks, take those warnings seriously.

Theft of Belongings

Beaches are magnets for tourists, local visitors, and criminals. With all the activity and excitement going on not only on the sand but in the water, it's hard for petty thieves not to cruise around a crowded beach. It's too lucrative to resist. All it takes is for people to get distracted for one second, and a thief can disappear with money, watches, cameras, handbags, and other expensive items. If you don't want to lose your things leave them at the hotel. Only take what you need for the day, and make yourself a less attractive target.

The Water

Clear, azure water is inviting but it can also be treacherous. Unsafe ocean conditions exist everywhere, and even good swimmers drown when unexpectedly overtaken by rip currents, undertows, and rogue waves. Check the conditions of the beach and heed all warnings carefully. Weak swimmers should stay out of the water, and beachgoers should stick to where they can swim with a lifeguard on duty.

These are a few risks when visiting the beach. By avoiding reckless behavior and knowing what to watch out for, going to the beach can be an enjoyable and memorable holiday.  

Learn more about this author, Scott Hayden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.