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Beach danger number 3: Dehydration
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So thirsty....
Let’s face it, we don’t head to the beach when it’s nice and cool outside, we go to enjoy the warm weather. We swim, run around in the sand, ride our beach cruisers, play volleyball or just wander down the beach. We lay in the sun, drink soda or perhaps we enjoy a few frosty adult beverages and then BAM!!! Dehydration!!
Third on our list of beach dangers, dehydration is the result of pushing our body beyond its capacity to cool. This is no trivial matter, as water is the single most important and abundant substance in the human body. Your brain is 75% water, your blood is about 80% water and your lungs an astounding 90%. Water regulates your temperature, which is obviously more important when we are exerting ourselves out in the sun. Once you are dehydrated, if you don’t recognize the signs and treat - heat stroke and heat exhaustion are right around the corner. Dehydration is the most preventable danger on our list, and there really is no excuse to let yourself or your loved ones put their lives at risk.
Preventing Dehydration
By poring over medical journals, consulting with thousands of physicians and scouring the internet; I have assembled a sure fire list of prevention techniques that will help you avoid the danger of dehydration:
- Drink water
- Drink water, not sports drinks which contain sodium
- Drink water, not caffeinated beverages or alcohol which actually cause dehydration
- Drink water, not carbonated beverages which make you feel full – causing you not to want to drink water
- Drink water, preferably either while wearing sunscreen or lounging in the shade.
- Drink water, that you have carried with you on your walk down the beach.
Symptoms of dehydration
The first signs of dehydration are thirst, loss of appetite and dry skin. No kidding! Your body is running out of fluid and trying to tell you to replenish. You may also get a chill, a sudden wave of fatigue and/or feel slightly dizzy. If you insist on not following the list of prevention techniques above, your symptoms of dehydration will become symptoms of heat exhaustion and then heat stroke. You will experience an increased heart rate, cessation of sweating, fever and extreme fatigue. You will develop a horrible headache, throw up and then pass out. Sounds fun doesn’t it? All that and all you had to do was (say it with me) “drink water”.
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion/Stroke
Make no mistake; this medical condition is life-threatening. If heat stroke is suspected, immediately flag down a lifeguard or call 911. In the meantime:
- Get to shade or indoors immediately
- Give cool fluids such as water or sports drink (that will replace the salt that has been lost). Salty snacks are appropriate as tolerated.
- Loosen or remove clothing.
- Apply cool water to skin.
Check out tomorrow's installment, Beach danger number 2: Rip currents.
You might also enjoy these other articles in the beach danger series:
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