Summer dangers to watch out for
Seemingly innocent symbols of summer - sunscreen, sand and even ice cream - could be out to get you.
Combined, the three were cause for almost 3500 ACC claims last year, the majority of which were attributed to sand.
Injuries, including falling down a sand dune, landing heavily on sand after being dumped by a wave in the sea, and sand blowing into eyes, accounted for almost 3300 claims in 2015.
Barbecues accounted for the second highest number of claims.
There have been 4587 injuries attributed to barbecues in the past five years, 1026 of which were in 2015.
Some common injuries were burns, back injuries from lifting the barbecue, and cuts from the barbecue.
Cooling down with an icecream over summer could also be dangerous.
The treat was responsible for 144 claims last year and injuries ranged from dropping an icecream container on a foot to slipping on spilt icecream.
There were fewer deck chair incidents in 2015 than the year before with chairs responsible for 278 claims.
Peoples’ explanations varied from collapsing chairs while others had hurt backs from lifting them.
While intended to protect, sunscreen was the cause of injury for 79 people last year, some of whom got it in their eye in a variety of ways.
That included through sweat causing it to run into the eyes, and putting it in there while trying to remove sand.
Beach cricket was responsible for almost as many claims as sunscreen with injured ankles and legs and people hit in the face by the ball common explanations.
Over December 2015 and January 2016, ACC dished out $413,382 for sand-related injuries.
It paid almost $3000 for icecream injuries and $95,979 for barbecue injuries.
Despite the above responsible for a raft of claims, ACC media advisor Suzanne Muth said the majority of accidents over summer occur in and around the home, and are the result of falls.
‘‘It’s important to take the time to clear away clutter away from underfoot,’’ Muth said.
‘‘Keep thoroughfares well-lit and remind energetic youngsters to apply the brakes, especially if you have more folk than usual at home over the holidays.’’