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A beach day in Myrtle Beach is all about sunshine, sandcastles, and splashing in the surf. But even with the best planning, minor injuries can happen. Whether it’s a jellyfish sting, a sunburn, or a scrape from seashells, knowing how to respond quickly and safely is essential for keeping the fun going.
In this article, we’ll walk you through practical beach first aid tips so you can handle common mishaps with confidence. From soothing a sting to treating a scrape, here’s everything families need to know to stay safe on the Grand Strand.
Why Beach First Aid Matters
Minor injuries are common during beach outings — especially when kids are involved. With sand, salt water, sun exposure, and marine life all in play, it’s smart to bring a basic first aid kit and know how to use it. These quick responses can:
Prevent infections
Ease pain and discomfort
Keep your beach day from being cut short
Let’s look at the most common issues and how to treat them.
1. Treating Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the most common beach-related injuries, especially in places like Myrtle Beach where the sun can be intense. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your skin in under 30 minutes.
Symptoms of Sunburn:
Red, hot, or tender skin
Swelling
Blistering in more severe cases
What to Do:
Get out of the sun immediately.
Cool the skin with a damp cloth, cool shower, or aloe vera gel.
Hydrate to help the body recover.
Apply after-sun lotion or aloe to soothe and reduce inflammation.
Avoid breaking blisters if they form.
Prevention Tip:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ every two hours and after swimming. Don’t forget to reapply to ears, neck, and tops of feet.
2. Treating Jellyfish Stings in Myrtle Beach
Although jellyfish stings are usually not dangerous, they can be painful and alarming. Myrtle Beach occasionally experiences jellyfish activity, especially in warmer months.
Symptoms of a Jellyfish Sting:
Stinging or burning pain
Red or purple welts
Itching or swelling
What to Do:
Rinse with vinegar (not fresh water) to neutralize the venom.
Remove tentacles with tweezers, not bare hands. Use gloves or a cloth.
Soak the affected area in hot water (not scalding) for 20-45 minutes to ease pain.
Avoid rubbing the area, which can worsen the sting.
When to Seek Medical Help:
If the person has difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a severe allergic reaction
If the sting covers a large area or the person is very young or elderly
Prevention Tip:
Check for purple flags at lifeguard stands, which indicate dangerous marine life is present.
3. Handling Cuts and Scrapes from Shells or Rocks
Shells, sharp rocks, and even trash in the sand can cause minor cuts and scrapes. While usually not serious, they still need attention to avoid infection.
What to Do:
Clean the wound with clean water or saline solution.
Remove any debris with tweezers (sterilized if possible).
Apply an antiseptic wipe or cream to kill bacteria.
Cover with a clean bandage until healed.
Tip for Kids:
Keep fun-themed waterproof bandages in your first aid kit to make the process easier and less scary.
4. Dealing with Heat Exhaustion
Hours in the sun without enough water or shade can lead to heat exhaustion — a common and potentially serious beach issue.
Symptoms:
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea or headache
Muscle cramps
Rapid pulse
What to Do:
Move to shade or an air-conditioned area.
Cool the body with damp cloths, cold water, or fans.
Sip cool water slowly.
Avoid physical activity for the rest of the day.
Prevention Tip:
Drink water throughout the day, wear light clothing, and take breaks in the shade every hour.
5. Treating Bug Bites and Stings
Myrtle Beach is beautiful, but it does have its share of biting insects, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
Symptoms:
Redness and swelling
Itching or discomfort
What to Do:
Apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Use hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine for itching.
Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
Prevention Tip:
Apply insect repellent in the morning and reapply if you go into marshy or wooded areas.
What to Include in Your Beach First Aid Kit
Having a dedicated beach first aid kit ensures you're ready for whatever minor injury may arise. Here’s what to pack:
Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Antiseptic wipes
Hydrocortisone cream
Aloe vera gel
Tweezers
Vinegar (for jellyfish stings)
Saline rinse or bottled water
Ice packs (instant or reusable)
Pain relievers (Tylenol or ibuprofen)
Gloves
Emergency contact card
Waterproof pouch to keep everything dry
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most minor injuries can be handled on the beach, always err on the side of caution. Head to a local urgent care or hospital if:
The wound won’t stop bleeding
You notice signs of infection (pus, redness, fever)
The person has an allergic reaction
You feel uncertain about the severity of the issue
Final Thoughts
Beach days are meant to be relaxing and fun — and with a little preparation, they can be. By following these beach first aid tips, you’ll be equipped to handle common injuries and get back to enjoying all Myrtle Beach has to offer.
From jellyfish stings to scraped knees, knowing what to do gives you peace of mind and protects your family from unnecessary pain or complications.
For more safety tips, family guides, and Myrtle Beach travel insights, make sure to subscribe to Grand Strand Spotlight — your go-to source for local beach knowledge and family fun.
Stay safe, be prepared, and enjoy your time on the Grand Strand!
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