Did you know? While France rigorously monitors bathing water quality, beach sand quality remains unregulated and varies widely, as noted by the Ministry of Health. This oversight means sand can harbor microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that cause skin irritations, infections, fungal issues, and even cystitis. Drawing from public health guidelines, here are four essential habits to safeguard your health—especially for children.
Always sit on a towel rather than directly on the sand. Wash it frequently or opt for a straw mat for added protection.
Keep children and babies in swimsuits or diapers at all times. Prevent them from eating sand, and when playing, use toys instead of hands to avoid trapping bacteria under nails.
Shower immediately after the beach, or rinse feet and hands on-site with bottled water, thermal spring spray, or antibacterial gel.
Rinse swimsuits daily and launder them regularly. Pack a spare to change out of wet ones promptly, reducing cystitis risk in warm, damp conditions.
With these steps, you're set for a safe, enjoyable beach day!
