Soaring Summer Heats Urge For Summer Safety

With the summer heat gearing up and the desire to stay cool heightens, residents and visitors are urged to remain safe.

During the frequent heat waves sweeping the region, community members must remain cautious and vigilant of the effects of the soaring temperatures.

Dr Natalie Ly of the Townsville University Hospital said that, “Even though you get used to the heat living in North Queensland it is important to not be complacent about the serious impact severe heat can have on our health.

“During a heatwave or extreme weather, you should look after yourself, stay hydrated, avoid the sun, keep cool and look after others.

“You should never underestimate the dangers of heat-related illness especially for more vulnerable community members including the elderly, young children and people with underlying health conditions.”

Dr Ly said symptoms like a high temperature, a rapid pulse, dizziness, and nausea should be taken seriously.

“If you suspect someone has heatstroke you should seek urgent medical attention” she said.

The Australian Red Cross recommends remaining indoors, and plan to do most activities in the cooler parts of the day, primarily early or late in the day.

Avoid sports and exercise and drink plenty of fluids, even if not thirsty, and to use a combination of fans and air-conditioning to circulate cooler air in homes.

For those flocking to water to stay cool, it is paramount to remain water safe as well.

Dr Ly said the festive season also sees an increase in people flocking to local and backyard pools, creeks, and beaches.

“It’s only natural in the Australian summer for people to seek refuge from the heat but it’s important to remember the basic water safety,” she said.

“Children require close supervision when swimming and this is in any body of water be it the ocean or a small wading pool.

“Young children can drown in water less than 30 centimetres deep, so it is important to not become complacent.”

Dr Ly cautioned that water safety wasn’t just for children.

“Any person can find themselves in a dangerous situation in the water,” she said.

“It’s important to know your limits as a swimmer, and remember that creeks and rivers can be unpredictable, particularly after heavy rains.”

Dr Ly said water safety extended beyond supervision of children and knowing how to swim.

“Jellyfish stings are potentially serious and could result in admissions to an intensive care unit and in some cases, death,” she said.

“The most important thing to do is to only swim inside the stinger nets.

“If you are out snorkelling, surfing or scuba diving, make sure you have a full-length stinger suit that covers your whole body including the neck, hands and face.”

Dr Ly said in the event of a sting, first aid should be administered immediately as well as a call to 000.

“In North Queensland, a sting from a box jellyfish can kill you, so if you don’t know which type of animal has stung you, treat it as though it’s a box jellyfish by applying vinegar to the area and carefully removing the tentacles from the skin,” she said.

“When vinegar is not available, use sea water.”

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Stay summer safe this season. Image: Shutterstock