Swimming etiquette: Do's and dont's in pools, beaches

MANILA -- Planning your next summer getaway? Here are some reminders to keep yourself and others healthy while on vacation.

Speaking on DZMM Teleradyo, dermatologist Dr. Lia Nebrida-Idea stressed that one of the most important things to bring on your summer vacation is sunblock.

"Kung magsu-swimming, whether dito lang, sa mga pool o sa probinsiya, dapat may dala tayong sunblock. 'Yun ang pinakauna, basic 'yun," she said, adding that one should opt for sublock with SPF 30 to SPF 50.

Sunblock should be applied on the skin 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied after every 2 to 3 hours.

"Ang sunblock kailangan ire-apply ha. Usually good for two hours, three hours. Then if you are subjected to sobrang pawis, sobrang basa, kasi naligo, umahon, kailangan magre-apply," Idea said.

Proper swimming attire should also be worn while swimming, whether in a pool or in the beach.

"Ang suot natin, dapat 'yung panglangoy, hindi lang 'yung shorts, t-shirt na ginamit sa labas. Bakit? Kasi may mga microorganisms na dala dala 'yung damit natin," Idea said.

Taking a shower before and after swimming is also essential.

"Bago pumunta at maligo, kailangan mag-shower. Kahit 1 minute rinsing ng buong katawan, kasi may mga naiiwan. Itong mga ito kapag hindi nalinis, pupunta siya sa tubig at magsi-spread siya ng mga microorganisms doon," Idea said.

Rinsing with soap and water after getting out of the water can help prevent swimmer's itch.

"Pag-ahon natin sa swimming pool o sa beach, parang mga butlig butlig na pimples na makati, mapula. It's like an allergic reaction doon sa mga parasites na nakikita sa tubig. Ang nangyayari, dumidikit siya sa balat natin. Ang only way para hindi magkaroon ng pangangati is to rinse off with soap and water," Idea said.

To prevent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal illness, it is important not to swallow the water from the pool or the beach.

"Kaunting-kaunti na malulon mo lang 'yan, 'pag natiyempuhan na mababa ang immune system natin, lalo na 'yung mga bata, matanda, may sakit, at nakainom nito, maaring magkaroon ng diarrhea o sakit sa tiyan," Idea said.

In case of jellyfish sting, Idea advises using vinegar or 70 percent alcohol on the affected area.

"Kailangan umalis sa tubig, kung may suka o alcohol, 70 percent, kailangan nakababad ng 30 minutes. That's the time you can remove it."

It is also very important to remind everyone not to urinate in the pool or beach.

"Kailangan umihi bago pumunta sa pool o sa beach kasi hindi naman tayo dapat umihi sa pool," Idea said.

"Huwag mag-blow ng nose habang nasa pool o beach. Huwag magsuot ng diaper habang nasa pool o beach," she added.

Having your period or suffering from a cough or colds? Idea said it is better to postpone your beach or pool trip so as not to endanger other people.

"Kung may diarrhea tayo o period, technically pwede naman kasi wala namang epekto sa body. Kaya lang 'yung hygienic purposes, hindi tama na meron kang period, maliligo ka sa beach. In the same way na kung may sakit ka, may ubo, may sipon, huwag naman. Pwede naman nating ipagpaliban 'yun," she said.

Swimming should also be avoided between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as this is the time when the sun is at its peak. "Pwede tayong magkaroon ng heat stroke kahit nasa tubig tayo. Severe sunburn at heat stroke," Idea said.

After sun exposure, it is advisable to immediately put on moisturizer or lotion.

"Kung magpapaaraw ka, maligo then put moisturizer or lotion agad agad," Idea said.