Hitting the beach is a great way to relax during a travel nursing assignment.

For many travel nurses, one of the best things about the flexibility of a travel nursing schedule is the ability to hit the beach for a long weekend.  With the 4^th of July extended weekend approaching, we thought we would offer up some quick beach safety tips for travel nurses to stay safe as you enjoy the sun, sand, and water on your days off.

Limit your exposure to the sun
While everyone wants that perfect summer tan, it’s important to take proper precautions while soaking in the rays as the growing rate of melanoma demonstrates. Sunscreen is great protection against harmful UV rays, however you must remember to reapply it at least every two hours.  And while many lotions are marketed as “waterproof,” they are normally only effective for 40 minutes following water activity. Wearing a wide brimmed hat, eye protection, and close-knit clothing will reduce harmful radiation, as will limiting your midday sun exposure (between 10am-2pm).

Be careful of your surroundings
Follow your nurse’s intuition when it tells you that a heavily populated beach is ridden with germs and bacteria. The sand on the beach is a trap for animal droppings, contaminated trash and broken glass, so it is a good idea to wear foot protection to shield the soles of your feet from hot sand and sharp objects. Unlike a swimming pool, the ocean lacks a carefully monitored balance of bacteria-killing chemicals, so avoid swimming with an open wound or infection and try to hit the public showers upon vacating the water.

Play by the rules
Water sports are a great way to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach while getting some exercise, but like any other kind of physical activity they can end badly if you’re overtired or undernourished.  Before engaging in any sort of activity in the water, it is important to eat, rest, and digest in order to avoid cramping and fatigue.  Stay safe by your limitations and studying your surroundings, most importantly the currents and tides in the area.  In the event of a rip tide, stay calm and let the current carry you—do not try to swim against it.

Following these simple but effective beach safety tips for travel nurses will allow you to protect your well being while enjoying some much needed fun in the sun on your travel nursing assignment.