Beachgoers urged to stay safe this summer
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With temperatures climbing and more people heading to the coast to cool off, beaches across the Cape Fear region are expected to stay busy in the coming days.
As beachgoers flock to the shoreline, safety experts are reminding visitors to take precautions before spending long periods in the sun and surf.
Common beach-related injuries include sunburns, jellyfish stings, and cuts from sharp shells. Health professionals say taking a few preventive measures can help avoid more serious issues.
Experts recommend applying sunscreen regularly to help reduce the risk of sun damage and skin-related health problems. Staying hydrated is also important, especially during periods of high heat, to help prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
Jellyfish stings can often be treated with over-the-counter creams, but injuries caused by shells — particularly deep puncture wounds — can pose a greater risk.
“Puncture wounds that are at high risk for infection, so if you have a deep puncture wound, say stepping on an oyster shell, these are injuries that can be at high risk for infection. I would clean it out, irrigate it thoroughly, and seek medical attention,” said Ben Pellegrin with Novant Health.
Medical providers say beachgoers with deep cuts or puncture wounds should seek care if they notice signs of infection or if the injury appears severe.
For those needing medical care near Wrightsville Beach, Novant Health Autumn Hall in Wilmington is one nearby option. In the Southport area, Dosher Memorial Hospital serves Oak Island and Caswell Beach communities, while western Brunswick County visitors can access urgent care services in Ocean Isle Beach.
