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Recommendations for going to the beach

If we plan to spend a few days at the beach this summer, we must take precautions such as sunbathing in moderation, avoiding prolonged exposure and the middle of the day.

ACCESS HEALTH STATUS OF BATHING AREAS

Remember

  • Frequently apply sunscreen, especially after swimming. Protect your head with a cap or hat and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Take these precautions especially with babies and children in general.
  • When swimming, it is important to follow the lifeguards’ instructions and respect the sea hazard signs: red flag = danger; yellow flag = caution; green flag = free swimming.
  • Do not swim in prohibited areas; if you come across any unmarked sewage discharge, please report it to the local authorities.
  • Swim in shallow, well-frequented areas. Children should never bathe alone and should avoid playing dangerous pranks, such as pretending to drown, as these can result in neck and back injuries.
  • Enter the water gradually, especially after sunbathing.
  • Make sure the water you drink is safe.
  • Ensure you drink enough fluids and don’t drink too much alcohol.
  • Make sure that you only consume food that has been purchased from establishments offering health guarantees.
  • Keep food refrigerated to avoid food poisoning and infections.
  • Use a personal mat or towel to rest on the sand.
  • Help to keep the beach clean by using the bins and waste containers. Most importantly, do not throw any dangerous objects onto the sand.
  • It is prohibited to bring pets to the beach, as this poses a health risk.

SMOKE-FREE BEACHES AND POOLS

PFor smoke-free beaches and swimming pools

In summer, the number of people visiting beaches and swimming pools increases. If you smoke, or if someone in your family or close circle does, we encourage you to quit for the benefit of your health and that of those around you. However, we also recommend joining your local council’s Smoke-Free Beaches and Swimming Pools initiative in order to prevent environmental pollution caused by smoking.

 

Did you know that cigarette butts are the world’s most common form of litter? A cigarette butt is not biodegradable and takes between 8 and 12 years to decompose. Buried cigarettes can cause fourth-hand contamination, whereby toxins seep into the soil and water and enter the food chain, producing toxic effects in animals and humans.

“SMOKELESS BEACHES AND POOLS” PROJECT

The Andalusian Network of Health Services and Smoke-Free Spaces’ initiative to make Andalusian beaches and swimming pools smoke-free continues this year. This project, titled ‘Smoke-Free Beaches and Swimming Pools’, has two objectives: to promote healthy habits and improve health and quality of life; and to increase environmental quality, reduce pollution, and improve the image of our coasts, leisure facilities, and sports facilities.

 

Through this initiative, any municipality in Andalusia will be able to promote the implementation of measures to keep its beaches and swimming pools free of tobacco smoke. This will involve installing signage and providing information about the benefits of avoiding tobacco smoke and effective smoking cessation methods available through health facilities.

 

How can you join the campaign?

 

To apply for membership as a SMOKE-FREE BEACHES AND POOLS in the Andalusian Network of Smoke-Free Health Services and Spaces (RASSELH), you must submit the membership documentation available on the website: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/saludyfamilias/areas/salud-vida/adulta/paginas/playas-piscinas-sin-humo.html

More information on how to join Smoke-Free Beaches