Scuba diving is a really fun sport to get involved in, with many amateur and experienced divers choosing to combine the water-sport with a holiday in the sun. Popular scuba diving holiday locations, include the Caribbean, Red Sea, Pacific Region and the tropics. While the tropics are an idyllic choice, it is important to take precautions against malaria and sunstroke.
Scuba Diving Holidays in the Tropics – Malaria Precautions
As recognised by J. Bantin in The Scuba Diving Handbook (A & C Black, 2007) despite being a wonderful location for scuba diving, the tropics are renowned for a number of diseases, which include malaria. For example, it is estimated that around 30% of those living in the Solomon Islands have the serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Bantin recommends several key ways to protect oneself from malaria, which is spread via being bitten by malaria mosquitoes, including:
- Avoid scuba diving at dusk (when malaria mosquitoes are most prevalent)
- Cover up skin in the evening
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET
- Sleep under mosquito nets
- Inform the doctor of scuba-diving plans before getting prescription
- Take anti-malaria tablets before going on holiday.
More information about malaria and anti-malaria tablets, sometimes referred to as malaria prophylactics, may be found by either making an appointment at a Travel Clinic or accessing the World Health Organization site.
Scuba Diving in the Tropics -–Sunstroke Precautions
Due to the intense heat out in the tropics, unless one is used to such a climate, there is a real risk of ending up with sunstroke, which can be extremely serious. This condition is especially dangerous for those scuba diving. Symptoms associated with sunstroke may include the following: increased body temperature, dry skin and mental confusion. It is important to be aware of early warning signs relating to sunstroke, as if they are ignored, it may lead to losing consciousness. As with many health conditions, it is the young, the elderly and those who are physically inactive who are most at risk.
Bantin highlights that scuba divers should avoid overheating by limiting sun exposure and not putting a suit on until just before they are about to enter the water. In addition, it is very important that after leaving the water, divers seek shade from the sun as soon as possible.
As highlighted above, locations popular for scuba diving holidays, include the Caribbean, Red Sea, Pacific Region and the tropics. However, scuba divers must take precautions against malaria by using a mosquito net, insect repellent containing DEET and anti-malaria tablets. Sunstroke risk may be reduced by avoiding or limiting sun exposure and leaving the wetsuit off until the last minute.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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