As the country braces itself for record-breaking temperatures people are being urged to think twice before heading to the beach as conditions can be even more extreme at the coast. Sefton Council has issued a warning to those planning on visiting the Merseyside coastline during the next few days.
Although a trip to the seaside may seem like a good way to cool off during the hot weather, the Local Authority is advising people to be careful and prepare for the heat as beaches such as Formby and Crosby offer little shade and protection from the sun. The extreme heat can also cause health problems such as exhaustion and heatstroke, with those with underlying health conditions, or who are young or old particularly vulnerable.
The council is also reminding people to protect themselves against harmful UV rays and to avoid long exposure to the sun, the Liverpool Echo reports. Everyone is vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV light if unprotected.
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Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: “While I can fully understand that many people's thoughts will turn to visiting the coast, what we need to remember is that on the beach, we are fully exposed to the effects of the sun and heat, especially if we are not prepared.
“It is important to stay out of the Sun as much as possible during the hottest part of the day. While it is so sunny if we do go out, we should wear sunscreen and a hat and try and stay in the shade.
“We should try and keep cool this could be indoors or outdoors in the shade.
“If you do want to go out, staying local in areas such as parks where trees and shelters can provide shade will be cooler and much more suitable for young children and elderly people who can succumb to the potentially dangerous effects of heat and dehydration very quickly.”
Heat exhaustion is when people become extremely hot and lose water or salt from their bodies. The symptoms include weakness, headaches, faintness, muscle cramps, feeling sick, intense thirst and heavy sweating.
Heatstroke is when the body can no longer cool itself down and the person's body temperature becomes dangerously high. Heatstroke is less common but can be extremely dangerous if untreated, it can cause confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Margaret added: “The best way to look after ourselves during what the Government has called ‘a national emergency’ is to stay out of the extreme heat, ensure we cool ourselves down, keep our environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool, this could be indoors or outside in the shade."
People can find out more information on keeping cool during the hot weather, and how to keep others safe here.
Anyone who does go to the coast needs to remember that with no shelter or shade, sand temperatures can rise very quickly, creating a very uncomfortable and challenging surface to walk or stand on.
Margaret Jones continued: “If you are determined to go the beach, use factor 30 or above sun cream and lots of it and make sure children are protected and not exposed too much, as sunburn can do long-term damage.
“Take plenty of drinks and ensure you keep hydrated because heat exhaustion and heatstroke can creep up on you and think about taking regular trips to somewhere off the beach where you can find some shade.”
Read more of today's top stories here.
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