Heading to the beach?
The dos & don’ts
Life’s a beach, as the saying goes. And there’s no denying that for us Britons, no bank holiday would be complete without an exodus to the seaside. Until, that is, social distancing measures made a fun day out a rather more fraught operation.
With unusually high temperatures predicted for this three-day weekend, coastal towns are bracing themselves for an influx of visitors.
But not so fast! This week, police in Devon and Cornwall sent home tourists who ignored the “no overnight stay” rule. Visitors were also spotted camping out in Brighton, and in beauty spots along the south coast – much to the despair of local residents. There are suggestions that a surge in crowds to resorts this weekend could trigger a spike in infections – or even prompt a second wave.
While lockdown measures remain in place in Wales and Scotland, Boris Johnson’s easing of restrictions means it is now possible to travel anywhere in England for the day. But how do you enjoy the seaside sensibly? Here, then, is your socially distanced bank holiday beach guide.
How can I hit the beach and stay safe?
The Government’s advice is clear. Where possible, members of the public should avoid using public transport for the time being and make their “essential journeys” by car. But as temperatures rose to 28C (82F) this week, high levels of traffic congestion were reported around coastal resorts. In fact, parking levels at Saunton Sands beach car park in Devon was described as “looking like August”, while roads towards the north of the coast were “gridlocked”.
As a result, some may opt to travel to the coast by train – on possibly their first rail journey in months. The Government advises passengers to wear a face covering – whether that’s a mask, a deftly cut-up T-shirt or a scarf around the mouth and nose – for the entire journey, and maintain a 2m social distance. Given how busy the trains are likely to be, with limited services running, that may be optimistic.
“Maintaining social distancing means the rail network still only has space for around 10 per cent of its usual capacity,” says Robert Nisbet, the director of nations and regions at Rail Delivery Group. “We need people’s help to keep trains clear for those who really need them this bank holiday.”
Which beaches can I go to?
To beat the masses pootling down the M4, savvy sun-seekers might be tempted to look to coastal regions further afield. But avoid Wales, where police are imposing fines on those who flout the rules, crossing the border for non-essential journeys. Sunbathing is not permitted under lockdown measures in Scotland.
Should I sunbathe in a mask?
The Government has advised people to wear face coverings in public places where it isn’t possible to keep socially distant. But Prof Lawrence Young, a molecular oncologist at Warwick Medical School, says: “If you’re social-distancing on the beach in your family unit, you probably don’t need to wear PPE. We know that, like many of these seasonal respiratory viruses, this virus is particularly sensitive to high humidity and sunlight – that’s why we anticipate the levels of virus will decrease over the summer.”
However, Prof Young maintains that no activity is riskfree; in indoor spaces, where social distancing isn’t possible, face masks should be kept on.
Wearing a mask in the water could prove tricky. Earlier this month, Stanford University researchers turned thousands of full-face snorkel masks into reusable PPE for hospital employees – perhaps this could be a regular sight on beaches this summer.
How do I keep a 2m distance on a packed beach?
Experts agree that social distancing is one of the key measures that has slowed the spread of the virus – and sandy shores present myriad opportunities to mark out your territory. One option is to dig a circular moat 2m around your towel, with an optional gully to the sea, a perfect activity to distract restless children. Another inventive suggestion is to sit inside a giant hula hoop, something being trialled next month at playtime at Holywell Village First School in Northumberland.
Or follow the lead of the German café that made customers wear straw hats with two swimming noodles attached to ensure social distancing.
Will a windbreak stop the virus from wafting over me?
“We know this virus is spread as an aerosol in droplets, that can carry for quite some distance,” says Prof Young. “However, you need to have a significant number of virus particles in those droplets. The likelihood is in outdoor spaces where there is a little bit of a breeze, it’s sunny, and – given the current humidity levels, too – a windbreak isn’t going add much more protection. Social distancing is the most important thing.”
Is is safe to swim in the sea?
There are currently no lifeguards on beaches around Britain. As a result, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution advises visitors to take caution when swimming – and, wherever possible, to avoid it all together. “You could be giving the license to someone else who is less proficient to go into the water and copy you, and get themselves in trouble,” says Gareth Morrison, head
RNLI. “While lifeboats and coastguard helicopters will be on call, we’re lacking the supervision that a lifeguard would provide.” And can you contract Covid-19 in the sea? Transmission is unlikely to occur if you swim too close to an infectious person, says Prof Young. “The virus won’t last long in salty seawater – but there’s still a low risk.”
Can I take inflatables?
There are few things Brits love more than dashing to the shoreline with a rubber dinghy. But Covid has put paid to that: this week, the RNLI and HM Coastguard asked holidaymakers not to bring inflatables to the beach as part of a new safety campaign. Yesterday, across the UK, coastguard rescue teams were called out 150 times to incidents, many involving inflatables.
What about seaside ‘facilities’?
If you’re heading to the beach, particularly with young children, knowing where to spend a penny is vital. Social media has been abuzz with the topic, with Scarborough Borough Council posting: “Toilets, handwashing facilities and car parks are closed.” In Skegness on Wednesday, the sole open disabled lavatory had a 40-minute queue.
However, in Bournemouth,around half of public lavatories are back in action, with enhanced cleaning measures in place. Be prepared for a long queue, bring sanitiser for your hands and the lavatory seat, and keep 2m apart while you’re waiting in line.
‘The virus won’t last long in salty seawater – but there’s still a low risk’
What do I apply first: sun cream or hand sanitiser?
Before Covid times, the main liquid holidaymakers had to grapple with was sun cream. But how do you apply it – before or after sanitiser?
“Water washes off most sunscreens, therefore alcohol gels will also cut through sunscreens, even if they are billed as waterproof,” said Dr Adil Sheraz, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesman. “They should be reapplied after use of sanitiser gels.” Surely sanitiser suncream is on the cards.