Enjoy a safe and healthy bank holiday in the South West

Whether you’re at the beach, or taking a walk along the coast path, this bank holiday the NHS in Devon, is reminding residents and visitors of ways to stay safe and enjoy a healthy summer.

NHS Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Chief Population Health Officer, Dr Peter Collins, said:

“We’re all hoping to enjoy the bank holiday, but it’s important to stay safe while you have fun. You can do this by getting prepared in advance and following our summer health tips, such as stocking up your first aid, making sure to have sun cream, packing a reusable water bottle and sun hat.

“It’s always a good idea to think about and check on elderly or younger members of the family, as they can become dehydrated more easily. Remind them to drink more and keep topping up on sun cream or avoid going out at the hottest part of the day.

“If you need medical help, know where to go. Local pharmacies are your first port of call as they can offer expert advice for minor illnesses, helping you to get the right care quickly.”

Here are our NHS top tips.

If you have run out of your regular prescription

The best way to avoid running out of your regular medication is to order your repeat prescription in good time and check that you have enough medicine to last until your next prescription is ready.

If you are running low, contact your own GP practice as soon as possible to request a repeat prescription. You can still contact your own GP if you’re visiting Cornwall, Isles of Scilly or Devon, but live elsewhere.

If you do run out of medication and need it urgently, you can either contact NHS 111, by phone or online, for advice and support, or visit your community pharmacy.

NHS 111 can assess your needs and direct you to the most appropriate service to help you access your medication. They may refer you to a pharmacy to get your medicine.

A pharmacist may be able to provide an emergency supply of certain medications, although charges may apply.

For further information please visit: Emergency prescriptions – NHS

Sun safety. Protect your skin and stay hydrated:

• Wear a high-factor sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially after swimming. Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and can happen even on cloudy days.
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (11am to 3pm).
• Wear a hat and sunglasses, keep hydrated with plenty of water, and avoid excess alcohol in the sun.
• Older adults, people with long-term health conditions, and young children are particularly at risk during periods of extreme heat – especially if they live alone or have limited mobility.

Common signs of heat exhaustion include:

• headache, dizziness or confusion
• nausea or loss of appetite
• pale, clammy skin and heavy sweating
• muscle cramps
• extreme thirst
• high temperature and rapid breathing or pulse

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately. Signs include:

• still feeling unwell after resting in a cool place for 30 minutes
• not sweating despite feeling hot
• body temperature of 40°C or higher
• rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• confused or disorientated
• seizures
• unconscious or unresponsive

Treating sunburn

Do:

• cool your skin with a cold shower or damp cloth
• drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• use after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin
• cover the sunburned area and stay out of the sun until healed

Don’t:

• use petroleum jelly, butter, or ice directly on the skin
• pop blisters, as this increases the risk of infection
• scratch or peel the skin

Insect bites and stings

Dr Peter Collins added:

“Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will improve within hours or days. Your local pharmacist can recommend treatments such as painkillers, creams and antihistamines to help relieve symptoms.”

To treat a bite or sting at home:

• remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin
• wash the area with soap and water
• apply a cold compress or ice pack for at least 10 minutes
• raise the affected area, if possible
• avoid scratching

For persistent symptoms, the following may help:

• pain or discomfort: take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
• itching: ask your pharmacist about treatments such as crotamiton cream, hydrocortisone cream or ointment, or antihistamine tablets
• swelling: apply a cold compress or ask your pharmacist about antihistamines.

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:

• symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days
• you are bitten or stung in the mouth, throat, or near the eyes
• a large area (around 10cm or more) becomes red, swollen or pus-filled
• you develop signs of a widespread infection, such as fever, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:

• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, mouth or throat
• nausea or vomiting
• a fast heart rate
• dizziness or fainting
• difficulty swallowing
• loss of consciousness

Beach safety: respect the water

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Check tide times and local weather before heading out.
• If you get into trouble in the water, remember ‘float to live’, lie on your back with arms and legs out, and try to stay calm.
• Keep a close eye on children and novice swimmers.
• Never use inflatables in the sea, they can be quickly swept away by currents and wind.

Know where to get help

• For minor injuries or sunburn, visit your local pharmacy or use NHS 111 online.
• In an emergency at the beach, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
• If you see someone in trouble in the water, dial 999, don’t try to rescue them yourself.

For more beach safety advice, visit: www.rnli.org/safety

For general health guidance, visit: www.nhs.uk/live-well

Staying safe on the  coastal path: tips for walkers

Walking the coast path is one of the best ways to enjoy our stunning scenery, but the coastline can be rugged, remote, and unpredictable. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, a little preparation goes a long way.

1. check the weather before you set off – coastal conditions can change quickly. Strong winds, heavy rain or sea mist can make paths slippery and finding your way tricky.
2. wear sturdy, supportive footwear – uneven, narrow and rocky sections are common. Good walking boots help prevent slips and ankle injuries.
3. stay on the marked path – shortcuts can be dangerous and damage fragile habitats. Some cliff edges are unstable.
4. carry enough water and snacks – facilities can be few and far between, especially on longer stretches.
5. plan your route and know your limits – be realistic about distance, terrain, and daylight hours. Turn back if you need to.
6. tell someone your plans – let a friend, family member, or accommodation host know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
7. be tide aware – some beach sections can only be passed at low tide. Always check local tide times before setting out.
8. keep dogs on a lead near cliffs and livestock – this keeps both pets and wildlife safe.
9. carry a map, phone, and charged power bank – mobile signal can be patchy, so don’t rely only on digital maps.
10. respect the environment – take your litter home and leave no trace so the path remains beautiful for everyone.

If you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.