Summertime is when everyone enjoys fun and relaxation at the beach and other outdoor destinations. However, you need to take some precautions to ensure safety near the water’s edge when the weather warms. Surprisingly, this may include rethinking the construction of one of the most iconic sand creations – the sandcastle.
Harmful bacteria on the rise
One of the biggest concerns stems from harmful bacteria that flourish at the shoreline during the summer. While bacteria growing in contaminated seawater has received significant attention in the media, researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa discovered that bacteria growing in the sand can be even more hazardous.
These issues begin with the fact that sewage frequently ends up in the ocean. If you swim in water contaminated with bacteria from sewage, you may experience rashes, diarrhea, or stomach problems – symptoms that can be life-threatening for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
But what’s more shocking is that analyses of beach sand have found levels of fecal bacteria up to 100 times higher than what is present in the water.
Bacteria thrive in the sand
Lab tests reveal that bacteria in the water dissipate and die off fairly quickly. However, the bacteria that wash up on the beach can grow, multiply, and remain a health hazard much longer than the bugs floating on the waves.
The bacteria in the sand can survive longer by forming biofilms- protective, sticky microscopic structures that are like bacterial hotels. Additionally, the sand offers the bacteria protection from the sunlight, which would otherwise eliminate them.
Staying safe from sand bacteria
Next time you visit the beach, take these anti-sand precautions:
- Don’t track sand back to your car. Make sure you dust off your feet, belongings, and beach toys before packing them up.
- Wash off your feet and hands thoroughly. You can use the beach showers when leaving the beach or have a thorough cleaning session as soon as you get home.
- Don’t let sand get into your mouth. Be extra vigilant with children who might be digging and playing in the sand and putting their hands to their mouths.
- Sit on a blanket when possible. It’s better to sit on a beach blanket or beach chair instead of directly on the sand.
- Keep food sand-free. If you bring food to the beach, be cautious not to let it get sandy. Keep it elevated, in containers, or covered with a cloth when not being consumed.
Be mindful of wounds
Most importantly, if you or anyone in your beach party has cuts or abrasions, consider avoiding the beach altogether until any wounds are healed. Watch for minor scrapes that can happen in the surf, and carry a small first-aid kit with cleansing items like witch hazel, alcohol wipes, and adhesive bandages.
By following these precautions, you can have peace of mind that you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and your family from the bacteria that might be hiding in the beach sand.
Stay away from shoreline
Of course, if all of this sounds overly cautious, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you or your family members have immune system issues. Consider setting up your beach blanket relatively far from the water’s edge. The greater the distance between you and the water, the less chance there is that potentially harmful bacteria have washed up into the sand where you’re sitting.
By being aware of these hazards and taking these simple precautions, you can ensure a fun, safe, and memorable beach trip for you and your family.
