How much do you love summer? Some people just can’t wait to skip out in shorts and T-shirt at the first sign of warmth. But for others, summer means seven kinds of discomfort, from itchy bites to sweating and overheating. It’s not just uncomfortable, it’s embarrassing: chafing, anyone?
From sea lice bites to hot dogs, a lot can go wrong so we’ve got you covered with advice on everything from treating aforementioned chafing to dealing with mates who won’t wear lifejackets. Read on, too, for hacks on keeping pets cool and your houseplants alive.
It’s just too hot!
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke, what’s the difference? The former is caused by loss of fluids through extreme exercise or being in a warm environment, says former paramedic and first aid trainer Sarah Thompson. Someone experiencing heat exhaustion might have muscle cramps, feel light-headed or vomit, and their skin is typically pale and moist. You need to move them to a cool place, encourage them to rest and sip a cold, salty drink or one with electrolytes. Remove their excess clothing and apply cool water to their head and skin. Ensure good airflow around them, too. If you’re still concerned, seek medical advice.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where the body’s “thermostat” has failed so the temperature rises uncontrollably. Onset is rapid, with headaches, dizziness, rapid decrease in consciousness and convulsions may occur. The skin is typically hot, flushed and dry. Phone 111 immediately and move anyone experiencing heat stroke to a cool place, lie them down, remove all clothing down to underwear, wet their head and skin with cool water and, if you can, place ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) under the arms and in the groin area. Ensure good airflow around them (a fan is great, if available).
What’s the best way to keep a baby cool? Babies aren’t as good as adults at controlling their body temperature so they need extra attention in hot weather. So offer them liquids regularly, says Dunedin pharmacist Darshana Kanjee, and keep them in the shade. Watch out for heat rash (see below) to which they’re more prone than adults. If their chubby little cheeks become red or flushed, or they become more lethargic, that’s a sign. Again, a cool facecloth can help to reduce body temperature, a lukewarm bath before bed is a good idea.
A word of warning, too, about leaving kids in cars on hot days. Don’t. It takes only minutes for a baby to die if left in a hot car.
Then there’s irritations like chafing and heat rash. How do I deal with them? We’ve all sat mortified through the dancing boobs ad on the telly for chafing products but if you happen to be a sufferer, there are some home-spun remedies, like loose clothing. Picture camel-riding people in the Sahara in long flowing robes – they dressed like this because it was hot. Skin-tight Lycra is not your friend here, but breezy cotton and linen are. So are zinc-based moisturisers (the boring, unscented kind) as a barrier cream, and if you can bear it, cold showers.
Which brings us to heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria. If you’re unlucky, you’ll get these super itchy red spots which are the result of clogged sweat glands. Kanjee says treating them can be as a simple as a cold facecloth on the inflamed skin, or aloe vera gel (keep it in the fridge for extra relief). Again, cool showers and light clothing help – regularly change out of sweaty gear. A moisturiser can help, but use a light lanolin lotion rather than heavy barrrier cream to prevent pores getting further clogged. If it’s really bad, get to your pharmacy or GP clinic for some steroid cream (hydrocortisone) or antihistamines.
Outside or inside? Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 4pm in summer), but we all get caught out from time to time. If you’re starting to look pink, get out of the sun immediately. When it comes to sunburn, prevention is better than cure, so follow the slip, slop, slap and wrap messages: Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on some sunglasses. Bikinis might look fab on the beach, but board shorts and rash shirts are much better for keeping the sun off. (And for those of us well past our bikini days, board shorts and rash shirts are also great for covering up a multitude of sins, such as knees…)
Too late, I got sunburnt. Now what? Cool your skin with a cool shower or wet cloths, but not ice packs. Aloe vera gel can be very soothing, and your local pharmacist can advise on other helpful creams. Stay out of the sun until your skin is completely healed and there is no hint of redness - this could be for a week or more - and if the burns are really bad and blisters form, don’t pop them. Make sure to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration. Pain relief may be helpful, too.
Any sleep hacks for hot nights?
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sang about hot summer nights all those years ago but there’s nothing sexy about lying awake at night too hot to sleep, and afraid to open the window in case of mosquitoes (see below). Get yourself a fan, and even put a tray of ice cubes or a frozen bottle of water in front of it as a DIY aircon. You can also prepare by closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, suggests Kanjee. Some people swear by a cold shower before bed but you can also cool down with refrigerated cucumber, watermelon or plain old icy water.
Safe swimming at the beach
Where’s the safest place to swim at the beach – especially if you’re at a beach not patrolled by Surf Life Saving guards? It’s always best to swim at a patrolled beach, between the flags, but if the beach isn’t patrolled, Surf Life Saving advises going to safeswim.org.nz, which will tell you about the conditions at the beach (including water quality). But before you swim, make sure you have the basics covered – that you know how to float – and if in doubt, stay out. Remember that underestimating the risk is one of the most common causes of people getting in trouble.
What’s so special about floating? Knowing how to float on your back is a simple but very powerful skill and it’s vital for water safety, particularly because most drownings occur in open water environments. Floating significantly increases your chance of survival by allowing you to remain on the surface and conserve energy while waiting for help. Floating, especially on the back, can be a lifesaver. It’s crucial for you to learn how to signal for help while floating, as effective communication can be life-saving.
What do the flags mean? Between the red and yellow flags is the safest place to swim and shows that there are trained and well-equipped lifeguards there. Surf lifeguards are there to help keep beachgoers safe, by keeping a constant eye on sea as they continuously scan for hazards or people in difficulty, keeping on top of weather forecasts and understanding the swell and tide conditions.
What to do if you get caught in a rip? In the past 10 years, 17% of drownings in New Zealand have been because of rips. They’re a major hazard on beaches worldwide, including New Zealand, and spotting a rip can be extremely difficult. Surf Life Saving NZ recommends learning the 3Rs Rip Survival Plan. If you get caught in a rip, it could save your life.
- Relax and float to conserve your energy
- Raise your hand to signal for help
- Ride the rip until it stops, and you can swim back to shore or help arrives
If you see someone in trouble, know how to get help. If surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know. If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for Police. Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help.
I want to relax on the beach. Is it really necessary to keep kids in arms’ reach? Absolutely! Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly and can knock kids off their feet and sweep them away. It only takes a minute. Active supervision of kids is the mantra whether you’re at the beach, a swimming pool, lake or river. Put your phone away when supervising children around water. If you’re in a group, have an active adult supervision roster and do not rely on older children to supervise younger ones.
Safe swimming in rivers or pools
How do you find the safest place to swim in a river? Hazards and fast-flowing water are part of what makes rivers New Zealand’s most dangerous aquatic environment. So, before you leap in, take a step back and ask yourself whether you should be going in at all. If you’re unsure about your skill level, the weather or the water conditions, it’s better to wait for another day and remember, rivers change every day. Always, always stop and check the conditions before you leap in, says Water Safety New Zealand’s chief executive Daniel Gerrard.
So, what does a safe spot look like? The best river swimming spot is one that has:
· a very weak current
· an easy place to get in and out of the water
· an even bottom that you can see
· place you can get out of the water easily in case you get swept downstream.
Diving and snorkelling
I’ve got some new gear and want to head out asap. Good idea? You should only go snorkelling or diving if you know how to use your gear safely. If you are unsure, start with a course or get an experienced friend to show you the ropes. You want to ensure you’re using the right equipment. That includes wearing gear that won’t leak or break and using a catch bag that floats well. It will hold your kai and may save your life if you need it. A good wetsuit will keep you warm, help you float and even help you stay out there longer. Use a dive flag too so that other people can see you.
No one wants to come with me. Will a quick dip by myself be okay? Water Safety NZ’s advice is to always swim, snorkel or dive with a buddy and don’t go in, or around water alone. Stay close to others because the unexpected can happen. Others can’t help you if they can’t see what is going on.
Plus, it’s more fun with a friend. Before you go in, check what the tide is doing and how that might affect the area that you are in. Is there a current to watch for? Will waves make things hard for you? If in doubt, don’t go out, and know your limits. The fitter you are, the safer you will be. Swimming and snorkelling are pretty challenging, so build up your fitness at the pools first before hunting those tasty treats in the sea.
A day’s boating
What’s the best way to check the conditions for a day on the water? Use trusted sources like Coastguard’s free app. The app offers marine forecasts for wind, waves and tides, as well as real-time weather updates, including wind speed and direction through Nowcasting. You can even save your favourite spots to check conditions before heading out. Additionally, listen to marine weather broadcasts on your VHF radio. Continuous updates are available on Channels 20-23. If the conditions aren’t suitable, it’s not worth the risk - don’t go out.
One of my mates won’t put his lifejacket on, what should I do? Want to get your mate to wear a lifejacket? Start by wearing yours, it’s a great way to set the tone. You could also:
- Point out that a lifejacket is like a seatbelt for the water - it’s there to keep you safe if something unexpected happens.
- Bring up local rules, harbourmasters can hand out fines if they’re not following the bylaws.
- Recommend inflatable lifejackets, they’re way more comfortable than the old bulky ones, so there’s really no reason not to wear one.
- Keep it simple with a friendly rule: no lifejacket, no ride.
My boat’s broken down in the middle of … nowhere. What should I do? If your boat breaks down, stay calm, ensure everyone is wearing lifejackets, and call for help. For non-urgent issues like mechanical, electrical or fuel problems, call Coastguard on *500 from your mobile or use a VHF radio (Channel 16 or your local channel). We’ll get volunteers to assist you as soon as possible and check if any nearby boaties can lend a hand in the meantime. Coastguard members receive free non-urgent assistance, and non-members are charged $350 an hour. Having peace of mind on the water is well worth it for only $150 a year. While you wait, anchor to prevent drifting and ensure you have flares or lights onboard, especially if it’s getting dark, so Coastguard can locate you easily.
Critters that bite:
How to treat insect bites
Mozzies: Some people barely react to these while other people seem to be itchy for hours and even days afterwards. There are all sorts of anti-itch creams for sale at pharmacies and they work with varying degrees of success.
But, says former paramedic turned first aid educator Sarah Thompson, the single best thing she’s found is what her family calls “Magic Mozzie Cream”. “It’s Colloidal Silver Cream, available from pharmacies and health-type shops. Get it onto the bite as quickly as possible and it all disappears. It’s magic! This even works on me, and I react really badly to mozzie bites.” The other thing which a lot of people swear by is Kawakawa Balm. Definitely worth taking either one of these on holiday.
If you have been really badly eaten by mozzies and the bites are driving you mad, oral antihistamines can help. These come in tablet and liquid form. Talk to your pharmacist about these as they are generally only recommended for children over the age of 2.
Most important is not to scratch the bites, as they can become infected, so keep children’s nails trimmed and cover any bites which your child may scratch. See your GP promptly if you’re concerned that a bite has become infected, as infected bites can become quite nasty, especially in babies and young children.
How do I avoid mozzies in the first place? Mosquitoes love human skin and will seek out any that’s not covered by clothes or bed sheets. So before a night on the deck, think about loose layers, and dare we say it, socks. Also think about insect repellent, of course – there are DEET and non-DEET options. Citronella candles? Mosquito coils? Worth a shot but remember that outside with an evening breeze, they will be much less effective. Once mosquitoes have attacked you, ice packs can do much to ease the itch. But if you’re kept awake at night by it, or the bites start to blister and become inflamed, head to the doctor or pharmacist for steroid cream or antihistamines.
Sea lice seem to be more prolific in calm water and they like to hide under togs, so if you suspect there may be sea lice where you’ve been swimming, get your togs off as quickly as possible and jump in the shower to wash off all the larvae. If it’s too late and you’ve already been stung, anti-itch creams and oral antihistamine (as above) can help.
Critters that sting
What about jelly fish and bee/wasp stings? Contrary to popular belief, peeing on jellyfish stings is NOT the right thing to do! And if you’ve been watching Bondi Rescue and you’ve observed them putting vinegar on jellyfish stings, that’s also not the right thing to do - in New Zealand. It is the right thing to do across the ditch where they have tropical jellyfish. This is why they have big tubs of vinegar on the Gold Coast beaches.
In NZ we have different jellyfish, not the tropical variety. If you get stung in NZ waters, flush the stung area with lots and lots of seawater. If the tentacles are still present, gently remove them, avoiding excessive rubbing. Put the stung area in very warm water for 20 minutes (but not so hot as to risk burns). A good warm shower is ideal. If warm water is not available, apply ice (wrapped in a towel, not directly on the skin) to minimise pain. Oral antihistamine would also be helpful.
Regardless of where the actual sting is, if there is any swelling to the face, especially lips or tongue, or if the person becomes breathless, starts coughing/throat-clearing, is hoarse, dizzy, floppy or begins to lose consciousness, phone an ambulance immediately.
Bee and wasp stings are something else you shouldn’t pee on. Remove the sting as quickly as possible. It doesn’t matter how you do this - pull it out or flick it out - just do it quickly. And the quicker you can swallow some antihistamine and put an ice pack on the sting site, the quicker the cure. But you can expect the sting site to be red, swollen and painful for quite some time after the event. And for the next few days, it may be itchy. This is all totally normal.
As with jellyfish stings, if there is any swelling to the face, breathlessness, coughing/throat-clearing/hoarseness, dizziness, floppiness or loss of consciousness, phone 111 right away. If there are multiple stings all at the same time, especially around the neck or face, prompt advice from a medical practitioner would be a good idea, just in case.
And a wee word of caution for parents: Most adults have forgotten what a bee sting feels like. Well, bee stings hurt. A lot, says Sarah Thompson: “I remember our 4-year-old getting stung by a bee. We did everything we could with antihistamine and ice and even an ice cream as a distraction, but three hours later he was still whinging. We became impatient with him. Then a week later I got a bee sting. Crikey it hurt! Three hours later I was still whinging. Bee stings really, really sting. For hours. And yes, I apologised most sincerely to my 4-year-old.”
Insects are invading!
There are more flies in my house than out: Pest Management Association training and technical manager Paul Craddock says getting rid of flies is a multifaceted approach which can involve barrier or fly screens on windows and doors, ceiling fans, which push air around (flies don’t like moving air), and pest treatments. But if you’re moving the air around with a fan or two, automated fly spray dispensers might not be as effective because they work better in still air.
As with many things, prevention is better than cure so Craddock advises doing your utmost to keep flies out of the house in the first place. That involves making the environment they’re flying into less attractive. The smell of cooking, household rubbish, compost, grass clippings and pets – especially faeces – tempts flies closer to and into our homes. So, tidy up! Keep your rubbish and compost bins away from doors and windows, pickup any dog poo on the lawn and if you’ve got smelly rubbish that will fester for days before the bins are picked up, Craddock advises carefully wrapping it and freezing it until rubbish day.
What about the fruit flies buzzing round the fruit bowl? If they really were fruit flies, says Craddock, you’d have people in hazmat suits from the Ministry of Primary Industries arriving because, in the entomology world, fruit flies cause big biosecurity problems. Vinegar flies are the ones flitting around the fruit bowl, attracted by the smell of rotting fruit – or beer and wine because they also like fermented beverages. Empty the bowl, dispose of the offending fruit and give it a good clean.
Memorable meals
How can I avoid poisoning anyone at a summer barbeque? Before you even fire up the barbie for summer, make sure it – and your cooking tools – have been washed with soap and water.
If you’re on the BBQ tools, then keep food covered and chilled until you cook it – and make sure you have separate cutlery, utensils, plates and other equipment for raw and cooked foods to stop germs spreading. Meat needs to be barbecued until it’s steaming hot and cooked all the way through. A meat thermometer can be useful here, to ensure meat is 75°C or over. And if you want to avoid flies congregating at the BBQ, a small fan blowing over the food is a good idea.
What can I safely make to eat if I’m drunk or high? You might think this is a trick question and the answer is going to be zip, nada, nil because 1 in 4 house fires start in the kitchen, and 50% of all fatal house fires involve alcohol or drugs. But Fire and Emergency New Zealand does have recipes for all of those at-home chefs under the influence that don’t require an oven or stovetop, helping satiate the late-night cravings without burning the house down. You can find them here: You’re Cooked | Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Sustainable summer picnics
There’s so much plastic on our beaches and in our parks, how can I make a difference? Plastic bags and wrap can easily escape down drains and onto our coastlines, where they break up into snack-size soft-plastic fragments that our marine life can mistake for food. Sustainable Coastlines recommends using reusable containers and wax wraps for picnic snacks instead.
If you’re having beers in the sun, be warned – the infamous wildlife-trapping six-pack rings are reappearing in liquor stores, so buy your drinks in cardboard carriers. Similarly, avoid contributing to the sixth most-common litter item found on our beaches: plastic bottle tops, by opting for aluminium or glass for your cold drinks.
If you’re grabbing takeaways to eat at the beach (or anywhere, for that matter), let the shop know that you’ll BYO containers to reduce single-use plastics. This will see fewer food containers, like plastic soy sauce fish pretending to be real fish, on our coastlines.
And we’ve all seen what happens to rubbish bins at beaches during summer. Putting your rubbish next to the bin doesn’t count, so own your rubbish and plan to take it home with you. Better yet, pick up some rubbish that doesn’t belong to you to avoid encountering trash species from picnics past during your next dip in the moana.
Protecting your pets
How do I keep the pets cool? SPCA chief scientific officer Dr Arnja Dale says whether you have dogs, cats, small animals or farm animals, they all need shelter from the sun and access to fresh water. Adding ice cubes to their bowls or freezing a block of ice for pets is a treat, while cooling mats and frozen water bottles wrapped in towels can help keep them cool.
Summer grooming is also important for pets, especially long-haired dogs, cats and rabbits. Regular grooming helps with parasite control, temperature regulation, and sun protection. Avoid shaving your pet entirely; a trim can prevent matting and help keep them cool while still offering some sun protection.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion? This can be fatal, so you need to look out for signs like excessive panting, weakness or drooling. “If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke, move them to a cool, shaded area and give them water. It is important to reduce their temperature quickly. If the animal is young and healthy, immerse them in water cooler than their body. For older dogs or those with health conditions, spray or soak them in water and use air movement, like a fan or placing them in a strong breeze, to help cooling. Cool first then take them to your vet right away,” says Dale.
Where’s the best position for rabbit and guinea pig hutches? If your small animals live outside, you can improve ventilation of their hutch or coop by putting bricks or something similar underneath, which brings it off the ground. Ensure their hutch or run is in the shade all day, or cover the top to provide shade. Place frozen water bottles covered with towels inside the hutch or run for them to lean against or tiles to lie on, and consider bringing them inside on extremely hot days.
What about farm animals without adequate shade? Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, animals must have shelter to protect them from weather that could harm their health or lead to heat or cold stress. Animals adapt to their environment in different ways, adjusting their behaviour and physiology so shelter needs to cope with changing conditions. Shade and shelter go beyond just trees; they can include natural land features like gullies and hills, as well as man-made options such as shade cloth, barns or other structures. Owners and people in charge of animals are responsible for ensuring proper protection and shelter for their animals. If you have concerns for the welfare of farmed animals and there are more than 10 animals of the same species on the property, report it to MPI by calling 0800 00 83 33 (option 2). For 10 or fewer animals of the same species, contact your nearest SPCA centre.
What’s the best time on a summer day to take a dog for a walk? Exercise your pets early in the mornings or in the evenings to avoid the heat of the day. Avoid long and strenuous walks on hot, sunny days, and steer clear of prolonged sun exposure. Take your pets to an area that has shade or a place for them to swim so they can take a break to cool off, and if they want to slow down or stop, follow their lead. Also, avoid walking animals on hot tarmac or sand as this can burn their feet. Keep a close eye on pets who are older, overweight, flat faced or have thick fur, who might struggle in the heat.
Given how hot the sand gets, is it really a good idea to take a dog to the beach? Remember, if the pavement or sand is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet, too. Your dog’s feet can get burnt and blistered on the hot ground, particularly hot pavements, asphalt or scorching beach sand. Check if it’s a safe temperature by placing the back of your hand on the pavement or sand for five seconds. If it’s too hot to keep your hand there then your pet shouldn’t be out walking on it.
I’ve got to duck into the supermarket. Can I leave the dog in the car? It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation. A car parked in the sun can reach over 50°C in less than 15 minutes. Parking in the shade and cracking a window does little to help. Heatstroke is a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate of 39-50%.
It is an offence under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilation, and shade-seeking. The dog owner and the owner of the vehicle can be fined $300, and if the dog’s welfare is significantly impacted, you could be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
The best option is to leave your dog at home, says Dale. If you must take your dog with you in the car, bring fresh water and a non-spill water dish for them, and take your dog with you when you leave the car. If you love them, don’t leave them. Dogs die in hot cars.
Fire safety
My neighbours haven’t mowed their grass or dealt with weeds for months. Is this a fire risk? Not necessarily, says Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Untidy and overgrown land can be an eyesore, so it’s worth trying to speak with the occupier or landowner. However, if this doesn’t resolve the problem and it starts to become a potential health and safety risk – for example, providing a breeding ground for rats and other vermin – then contact your local council.
But Fire and Emergency can intervene and require potential fire hazards are removed or destroyed when:
- There is enough flammable material on the land to support a fire spreading to another property
- It is likely a fire will start (for example there is a recent history of fires in the area)
- If a fire did start, it is likely to endanger lives or significant property (eg, multiple houses).
If you are unable to resolve a potential fire hazard directly with the owner/occupier, you can let them know about your concerns by either completing this online form or calling the Regulatory Compliance Group on 0800 336 942.
So, what do I need to do to stop a wildfire on my property or protect it from one? Everything within 60 metres from your house can determine how safe it will be in a wildfire. Talk to your neighbours about fire risks and share these tips:
- Keep grass short, watered and green during the summer months.
- Keep gutters and areas around decks clear of dead leaves, debris and pine needles.
- Don’t store flammable material under or against your house or deck (including flammable doormats).
- Remove highly flammable plants close to your home and other buildings on your property.
- If you have vegetation against your house, consider removing it or replacing plants with less flammable species.
What do I do if I spot a scrub/grass fire?
If you see smoke or fire and believe there’s a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for Fire immediately. If you’re not sure whether it’s a real emergency or not, call 111 and ask.
How do I know if it’s okay to light a burn pile?
Always go to checkitsalright.nz before lighting up. This will tell you what the fire is in your area – whether open, restricted or prohibited. If it’s restricted, you will need a permit before lighting a fire, which you can apply for using links on this site. You must follow the conditions set out in the permit.
Always check the local fire danger level before you light; you need to be extremely careful if the fire danger level is Very High or Extreme, and if it’s hot and windy, consider postponing your fire. Keep a method to extinguish the fire nearby such as a water hose, water sprayer, shovel and dirt to smother, or a mechanical digger. Once it’s finished, extinguish it completely and keep checking on it in the days and weeks after your burn, looking for embers, smouldering, smoke or heat to make sure the fire is completely out.
It’s also good manners to notify your neighbours in advance, including how long the burn may go for, and your contact details.