Broken glass worry

Press, 20 December 1985, Page 4

Broken glass worry

Broken glass is causing concern to life guards on patrol at Christchurch beaches. Two people were treated for minor cuts at Taylors Mistake and New Brighton Beach yesterday, said the patrols’ co-ordinator, Mr Geoff Barry. “I don’t know why, but there seems to be a lot more glass around than last year,” he said.

Few had been treated for cuts, but that was probably because there were not many swimmers on the beaches yet, said Mr Barry.

Broken glass was a worry, and was especially treacherous if buried in sand dunes.

“For someone tearing down a sand hill and embedding their foot in the broken end of a bottle or piece of glass, it could be particularly nasty.”

Bluebottle jelly fish also seemed to be plentiful along the high tide lines at the beaches this year, said Mr Barry.

Mr Barry said it was not a good idea to "stomp up and down” on bluebottles, as they could give a small, burning sting. The sting was not dangerous, and could be bathed in the surf, or packed in wet sand to relieve the burning sensation. Aside from the first aid for glass cuts, life guards had another quiet day yesterday. No rescues were made, although the number of swimmers had increased, said Mr Barry. About 200 people swam at New Brighton Beach, and a “reasonable number” at the other beaches. Swimmers and sunbathers should remember to keep their heads protected and not to spend too long in the sun, said Mr Barry. High stress activity, such as jogging along the beach in the middle of the day, was not beneficial, and increased chances of heat or sunstroke, he said. The water temperature yesterday was about 16deg.