Stay Safe at the Beach

Shady Lady

By Susan Hall

Outsmart beach bummers, from swimmer’s ear to jellyfish stings.

For extra protection from the sun’s rays, get a beach umbrella with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or higher, says Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist.

One we like: the Tommy Bahama 6½-foot Beach Umbrella with Tilt UPF 100+ ($65; Amazon.com). Don’t have a UPF-rated umbrella? Choose one made of dark, tightly woven material. “If you can see through it, the sun’s rays can ‘see’ your skin,” Dr. Wu says.

Escape strong currents

Rip currents—channels of water moving rapidly away from shore—can occur at any beach, including larger lakes, says Chris Brewster, president of the United States Lifesaving Association.

If you’re swept away, don’t make a beeline for land—you’ll exhaust yourself swimming against the current. Remain calm and swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current. Or just tread water: The current will eventually peter out.

Soothe a jellyfish sting

Despite what you may have seen on TV, don’t pee on the affected area. Instead, Brewster advises: Cover your hand with a towel and pull off any tentacles lingering on your skin, then rinse with ocean water. (Fresh water can worsen the sting.)

Seek immediate medical attention if you have any reaction beyond pain at the site of the sting, such as hives or shortness of breath.

Dry up swimmer's ear

To prevent this infection, caused by water trapped in the ear canal, dry out your ears with drops like Swim-Ear ($5; drugstores). Or make your own with equal parts white vinegar and alcohol. After a swim, place a few drops in your ear, then let drain.

Prevent a No-See-Um attack

Sand mites, tiny insects that reside in sand, can cause annoying, itchy bites. Ward them off with a mild insect repellent; try Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent ($8; BurtsBees.com).

If you do get nibbled, apply Benadryl cream or calamine lotion to calm the itch, Dr. Wu says. Don’t scratch—you could cause an infection.

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