inform-residents-newsletter-summer-2017 (3)

18 | Inform Summer 2017 Keeping safe & well this season Danger of swimming in quarry ponds – Stay Safe Stay Out For further information or advice on any of the above please contact the Council’s Environmental Health service using the contact details on page 2. Approximately 85% of accidental drownings occur at open water sites such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs and quarry ponds. Swimming in quarry pools is particularly dangerous due to a number of hidden dangers: • Hidden currents • Submerged or abandoned machinery which you can injure yourself on • Underwater ledges or recesses where you can become trapped • Dead animal carcasses causing disease • Pollution or toxic wastes causing rashes, irritations and infections • Cold water shock. A quarry lake can be very cold, even on a hot summer’s day. It can lead to hypothermia and muscle stiffness. You can die from ‘Cold Shock’ in less than 2 minutes Blue-green algae aware Blue-green algae are tiny organisms which occur naturally in loughs, ponds and rivers. They commonly occur during periods of prolonged hot weather but sometimes appear at other times of the year. In still waters the algae can multiply to such an extent that they discolour the water which then appears green, blue-green or greenish brown. Sometimes a scum may form on the surface. It is most commonly found at the water’s edge or shoreline. Some, but not all the blue-green algae produce toxins which can be released into the water. It is not possible to tell which algae do or do not produce toxins simply by their appearance. Laboratory analysis is needed for this. What to do if you suspect blue-green algae Avoid all contact with the affected waters and ensure that children and pets are kept away. If you find an area of water affected with blue-green algae please contact the Council’s Environmental Health service immediately. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for over 30% of all cancers. A common myth is that you will be better protected from skin damage by the sun if you have built up a gradual tan on a sunbed. The reality is, people who burn and don’t usually tan in the sun will not tan on a sunbed and so using a sunbed before going on holiday abroad will not protect against further damage from the sun. Research has shown that using sunbeds causes malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. This is one of the reasons why, in Northern Ireland, it is unlawful for sunbed premises to permit children under 18 years of age to use a sunbed. Over-exposure to the sun can be just as harmful as using a sunbed and the use of sunscreen is one important way of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunbeds and sun safety Top tips for keeping food safe this summer On warm summer days it’s more important than ever to keep food cool and safe. Invisible bacteria multiplies very fast. When it’s very hot bacteria multiplies even faster. To avoid this, follow these top tips for keeping food cool and safe: • Always wash your hands before handling food and between handling raw meat and unwashed fruit and vegetables, and ready to eat foods • Make sure the coldest part of your fridge is at 5°C or below • Put food shopping that requires refrigeration into the fridge as soon as you get home • If you are having a buffet or a barbeque, leave food such as sandwiches, salads, cooked meats and desserts out of the fridge for the shortest time possible – no more than a few hours • If you’re taking food on a picnic or for a day out, put it in a cool bag with some ice packs or frozen juice cartons • Don’t leave food sitting in the sun • Foods that need to be kept cool to keep them safe are those you have cooked or prepared, or food with a ‘use-by’ date such as salads, dips, milk, cream, yoghurts, desserts, fresh cream cakes and buns, cooked meats and cooked rice. Therefore, never, ever enter a quarry pond – no matter how idyllic it may appear.