Whenever I find time to go to the beach, I always seem to see a number of potential disasters just waiting to happen. The ever – so – white European tourist pumping for the all important “tan” in the midday tropical sun, or an unattended child, and then there’s the surfer from out of town who’s given a board to rent, but not the warnings about the rip-tides beyond. The shore line can be full of nasty surprises just waiting to ruin your day at the beach, or even your entire holiday. So here are few things you need to take with you to fend off nature and return home unscathed — and maybe even a little happier and more relaxed.
1/ Eagle eyes. Make sure an adult is constantly watching young children. Small children tend to slip under silently without flailing or calling out. Children should wear an approved lifejacket, no matter how well they swim. “Waterwings,” tend to slip off, so never feel that a child is safe if they are wearing them.
2/ Tide tips. Never swim alone or in unsupervised places. If the water is choppy, murky, or filled with debris, come out. If you do find yourself pulled out by a rip current, swim parallel to shore and when the current lets go, head in (rip currents are like rivers within the ocean). Be aware that the currents between Bali and Lombok (Lombok Strait) are some of the strongest in the world! If you are unsure of how the ocean is behaving ask one of the local surfers or fisherman. They are very skilled in reading the ocean in their location.
3/ Sunblock. Sunblock takes about half an hour to start working in the sun so apply it in the car before you leave for the beach. Higher SPF levels do not necessarily mean longer or better protection. All lotions need to be re-applied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. The best sun blocks are those with a zinc oxide base. Don’t forget to apply to the ears and the back of the neck and chest. Cloudy day? Apply even more sunscreen! You can get a nasty burn on a gray day.
4/ Weather wisdom. Lightning, water, and an exposed area are not a good combination. Best head for the indoors in these conditions. Bali is famous for beach lightening strikes!
5/ Fluids. Beaches are hot. You can get dehydrated easily and suffer the dizziness, fatigue, clamminess, or fever of heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water. Electrolyte sports drinks are even better.
6/ Vinegar. You might want to pack some household ammonia, too. These take the sting out of jellyfish attacks. The Portuguese Man of War are the worst offenders, they look like iridescent purple balloons. If you see them washed up to shore, it means that they are also in the water. If your child is prone to swimmer’s ear, one part rubbing alcohol and one part white vinegar put in the ear before swimming and two hours later can help.
7/ Insect repellent. The most effective repellents contain a chemical called DEET. However, adults don’t need more than 30-35% strength; higher concentrations provide no additional protection and should be reserved for times when exposure to insects is very high, or when high humidity or temperatures promote rapid evaporation of repellent from skin. Small children and infants should not use full-strength insect repellent containing DEET. Use a repellent specifically formulated for children. DEET is safe for pregnant women to use.
8/ First aid kit. A standard car kit, or travel kit will suffice. You can make your own or purchase from Int’l SOS or Ace hardware stores. Don’t forget medications that may be specific to your family such as inhalers if you have asthma, auto-injectors for allergies etc.
9/ Location! Location! Pick a beach that is appropriate for your needs. If you have young children, choose a spot where the breakers do not come crashing on to shore, or where there is a steep decline into or under the water. Avoid areas with sharp or jagged coral or rocks, or where water sports are active. Try to avoid beaches that front onto nightclubs. You may have the displeasure of finding broken glass, condoms or even used syringes amongst the sand and sea shells!
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Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com”.
