Hitting the beach is a great way to spend time with friends and family. However, hours in the sun could expose you to potential dangers like sunburn, which may require medical attention.

Take the proper precautions to ensure a stress-free day by the shore.

While most beach days go off without a hitch, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Shells, stones or driftwood could cause cuts or abrasions, so it’s best to bring a first aid kit. Understanding what you’ll need and how to react is your first plan of action. Remember to stay calm and use common sense in case of unforeseen events.

First Aid is essential for the following reasons:

• Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
• Melanoma of the skin is the second most common cancer diagnosis among men and the third among women in Australia.
• A toddler can drown in as little as 20 seconds, so be especially careful with children at the beach.