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Summer is almost over but as we live on an island in a tropical climate outdoor activities never really come to an end. The city responds to and assists with a number of issues that can be unsafe or unpleasant, and the staff has developed a number of suggestions based on the calls that we receive.

Some of these are critical, while others just help us to better enjoy our time outside. If we pay attention to basic sun safety, jellyfish stings, rip currents and water safety our time on the beach or in the water can be much more enjoyable.

Sun safety

August is one of the hottest months of the year so a few basic sun safety tips are important:

– Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid the sun during the hottest time of the day. Play golf, tennis or swim in the early morning or late afternoon.

– Wear sun glasses to ward off the sun’s rays from your eyes and a hat to help keep the sun’s damaging rays from harming your body. Even on cloudy day the use of sunglasses and a hat can help avoid a “surprise sunburn”.

– Some of us may be taking medication or using cosmetics that include Tetracycline, diuretics, and major tranquilizers. These medications may increase susceptibility to sunburn because they contain substances that cause the skin to absorb more of the sun’s radiation. Photosensitivity reactions may also be caused by birth control pills, and your doctor can advise about medications that can cause problems in the sun.

– Use sun block to help avoid a painful burn, and if you are among those likely to burn you may wish to use a sun block with a PF of 15 or greater. You can use a lower number if you are less likely to burn. An ounce of sun block should effectively cover your entire body. Apply sun block at least 15 to 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun, re-apply at least every hour to be most effective, and re-apply more often if you are perspiring heavily or swimming. Use sun block with a higher PF on areas that need extra protection, such as the tip of your nose, your ears, your collarbone, the tops of your feet, and your shoulders.

– Babies under one year of age should be kept out of the sun, but if the sun is unavoidable use common sense. Use sunscreen with a PF of at least 15, and never use a sun block with a PF of more than four on babies under six months old due to the possibility that the baby’s skin could absorb the chemical and his or her system could not eliminate it. Dress your child in lightweight, light-colored clothing, and always cover a baby’s head with a hat.

We all see those bright red visitors that have stayed too long in the sun, with too little protection. If you have an unfortunate experience with the sun there are some quick ways to relief sunburn. Take a cool bath – not ice cold, but cool – and don’t use bath salts, oil or bubble bath. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin. Use a soft towel and pat your skin dry. Use a sunburn remedy containing aloe vera, and use a light moisturizer or a dusting of powder to ease chafing. Stay out of the sun for a few days, and if the sunburn is severe or you are blistering, feel faint or nauseous, see a doctor immediately.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish can be more harmful than they appear with long, spindly tentacles that can inflict red welts and severe pain. If you receive a jellyfish sting, take the following steps to reduce the pain and swelling:

– Wash the area with sea water and apply vinegar, or if vinegar is unavailable, apply rubbing alcohol or baking soda. Remove the tentacles with tweezers, and apply shaving cream and shave area with a butter knife or tongue blade. Re-apply vinegar and apply cortisone cream. Welts should disappear within minutes, and contact a physician if you have nausea, vomiting, joint pain, headache, shortness of breath or a stumbling gait.

Rip currents

Rip currents are the most threatening natural hazard along our coast. They pull victims away from the beach. The United States Lifesaving Association has found that 80 percent of the rescues effected by ocean lifeguards involved saving those caught in rip currents.

A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area with the least amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point along the ocean floor. Rip currents also exist in areas where the strength of the waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers, natural reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from shore.

Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called “rip tides” or “undertows.” These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under.

Always try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become caught in a one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water and wave for lifeguard assistance.

Always stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often exist along the side of fixed objects in the water.

Water accidents

Water accidents happen too quickly and can have grave consequences. The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. Learn to swim, swim near a lifeguard, never swim alone, and always supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present. Don’t rely on rafts, toys, and other flotation for your safety, as you many lose them in the water. Please remember — alcohol and swimming don’t mix. Always protect your head, neck, and spine — don’t dive into unfamiliar waters, go feet first, first time. If you are in trouble, call or wave for help.

As each person reading this enjoys the paradise climate of Marco Island these helpful tips should inform them of potential concerns and help them remain safe. And as always in emergencies, dial 9-1-1.