How dangerous is that visit to the beach? A pilot study of beach injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the profile of injuries sustained on a resort beach during the summer holiday period.


METHODS
Information was gathered from patients presenting to the surf club, hospital, surgery and pharmacy with injuries sustained on or around Lorne beach, Victoria.


RESULTS
211 injuries were recorded; 37% were lacerations/cuts, 18% were rescues. Of the listed causes of injuries, 20% were from surfboards and 19% were from beach litter.


CONCLUSIONS
An injury profile was developed. The patterns were used to prepare the recommendations for preventive measures.
Grenfell
R D
RD
Lorne Medical Centre, Victoria.
Ross
K N
KN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004332:Drowning / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012621:Seasons; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*