When the Beach Isn't Fun (yes, it is possible)

Summer vacation is here!  Finally some time to get the family together and take some time away.  Like most families, you will probably be making your way to one of the wonderful east-coat beaches.  Before you go, below are some common vacation-ruining things to know about.  Of course, be sure to always wear your sunscreen (see previous post!).

JELLYFISH

Although you are not likely to encounter any of them, there are actually multiple venomous animals in oceans.  These include corals, jellyfish, sea nettles, sea urhchins, starfish, sting rays, and some types of fish.  On the Mid-Atlantic Beaches, you are most likely going to encounter Jellyfish which is why I decided to focus on them.  Jellyfish can be difficult to spot due to their see-through bodies.  It is important to note that you can be stung by a jellyfish that has been washed to shore.   Jellyfish rapidly cause stinging, itching, and/or pain at the contact sites.  Blistering, welts, or swelling lasting 1-2 weeks may follow stings.  Fortunately, most jellyfish stings aren't serious.  

There are many "treatments" and home-remedies out there for jellyfish stings including urine to meat tenderizer.  If you are still at the beach, the first thing to do is wash the area with salt water (but not fresh water alone).  Jellyfish tentacles may remain attached to the skin and must be removed by careful scraping with a hard object such as a credit card or knife. Afterwards, flushing the area with white vinegar to neutralize the venom.  You can apply vinegar soaks for 10-30 minutes, 3-4 times per day.    If your child experiences difficulty breathing, chest pain, or any other serious symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

RIP CURRENTS

Rip currents are narrow channels of fast flowing water that flow away from the shore.  This is usually happens where there is a break in a sandbar near the shore or when there is a current already offshore.  Rip currents can reach up to 100 feet in width and travel up to 3mph.  Some can be present for a couple of hours where others can be permanent.   They are usually more prevalent after storms and account for more than 80% of lifeguard beach rescues. For beach safety, please teach your children the following:

Signs of rip currents include:

• A difference in water color - either murkier from sediments or darker from greater depth.

• A difference in the waves - larger, choppier waves in the rip current and smaller, calmer waves in front of the sandbar.

• Foam or objects moving steadily seaward.

• An offshore plume of turbid water past the sandbars.

• NOTE: Polarized sunglasses cut glare and can help to spot rip currents.

If you are caught in a rip current - DO NOT try to swim against it. (even the best swimmers can tire out trying to fight against a current).

Stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.(Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet wide).

If you can't break out of the current, float calmly until it dissipates, usually just beyond the breakers. Then, swim diagonally to shore.

DO NOT panic!  (I know, easier said than done)

Rip Tide Safety Tips are provided courtesy of North Carolina Sea Grant. For more information on Rip Currents please visit the NOAA Rip Current Safety site.

SEA LICE

Get an itchy rash after swimming in the ocean, it may be sea lice!  They lovely critters are prevalent in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and along both the east and west coasts during the summer months.  They are the most commonly encountered stinging threat to divers and swimmers at the beach.  

These little stingers are, actually, not lice.  They are the microscopic larvae of jelly fish named nematocysts (stinging cells).  The larvae are large enough to be visible to the naked eye but become nearly invisible in the water.  Unfortunately, the only reliable method of identifying them is the appearance of the rash on swimmers.  

Common symptoms of sea lice stings 

include an intensely itchy red rash with small blisters and elevated areas of skin.  These painful and unsightly lesions may appear anywhere on the body but are often concentrated in areas covered by swimwear as large numbers of larvae often become trapped in these regions.  Severe reactions to sea lice exposure may include fever, chills, headaches, nausea and vomiting, especially in children.  Extreme allergic reactions may require hospitalization in rare cases.

If you are unfortunate enough to encounter sea lice 

while swimming your first sign that something is amiss may be an itching or burning sensation in affected areas of your skin.  If you suspect you've been exposed to sea lice, exit the water immediately, remove your bathing suit, and shower thoroughly. Do not rinse with fresh water while still wearing the suit as this will cause the stinging cells still in the fabric to fire, releasing even more venom. Do not wear the same swimsuit again until it's been thoroughly machine washed and dried.

Symptoms of sea lice exposure often do not appear for six hours or more after the exposure and may last from two days to two weeks.  Rashes and blisters from sea lice stings may be very painful and can become infected from repeated scratching.  Common home remedies to relieve the itching and burning from sea lice stings include vinegar.  Hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines such as Benadryl may help to relieve the itching.  Topical antibiotic cream may be applied to reduce the chance of infection.

SAND HOLES

More people are killed or injured every year from a sand hole collapsing than a shark attack.  When people dig really big holes they run the risk of the hole caving in on them.  The collapsing sand completely submerges the victim, leaving no evidence of what just occurred   The key is not to dig holes deeper than your knees and to fill any stray holes you may see on the beach. Sorry if this blog entry put a downer on your summer vacation. Hopefully, it will help keep your kids safe from some common dangers.   One final thought - REMEMBER YOUR SUNSCREEN! Note:  All comments are welcome on the blog, but please do not post medical questions. I am, unfortunately, unable to respond to personal medical questions through this website.   Thank you for understanding! Legal Disclaimer: This blog is designed to provide general information related to pediatric and adolescent care. The information presented on this blog should not be construed as formal medical advice, nor does accessing this site constitute formation of a doctor (or other healthcare provider)-patient relationship. The content is intended solely for informational and not for treatment purposes. Do not use this site if you believe you may have a medical emergency; call 911 or your doctor's office immediately.