The image that leads the post is beautiful and evokes a moment of relaxation and calm on the beach: pure beauty… Because the beach symbolizes not only fun, but the conjunction of various elements that provide pleasure and well-being. But sometimes, people tend to exploit natural resources, as happens on the night of San Juan, date chosen by many families and groups of friends to go to the beaches, and celebrate the start of the shortest night of the year.
And we celebrate it not only by taking advantage of the occasion of togetherness and shared fun, but also by dining on the sand, lighting bonfires that are not always loaded with symbolism, and sometimes even making more noise than necessary. And although I know that our readers are very aware, Allow me to give some advice, and not only related to caring for the environment, but also accident prevention.
Respect for the environment
Nature nourishes us and gives us life, the least we can do for it is preserve it; which translates this time into avoid raising the tone of voice (dozens of people whispering or speaking softly are not the same as shouting), picking up food scraps and wrappers, and cleaning up everything we've got from the bonfires and firecrackers.
"The example is the only way to educate we have" and if our children see us cleaning, in the future they will behave as respectful citizens.
Bonfire of San Juan: it is more beautiful without burns
Many times we hear about the healing power of fire, about its purifying power, but we should also convey to the little ones that it is not possible to play with the elements of Nature. Here are some tips for 'no gambling' and using fire safely:
- Do not light the bonfire under power lines, or within fifteen meters of buildings or vehicles.
- Use non-toxic fuel (and certainly no flammable liquids).
- It is already summer and at the moment dry days are foreseen, so it is not advisable to light with papers so that the wind (if there is one) does not lift them and take them to another place causing fires.
- Don't let children under the age of 12 run near a bonfire.
- Don't let children over the age of 12 start fires unsupervised.
- It is better to dress in clothes made of natural fabrics, which take longer to hang than synthetic fabrics.
- If you intend to jump the bonfire in front of your children, make sure they understand that certain skills and abilities are needed to do so, but if you can avoid it, it is not that example. Never jump carrying a child in your arms!
- Alcohol disinhibits and slows down the ability to react, don't forget. Don't forget to explain it to your teenage children either.
- Not only do you have to put out the bonfire when the party is over, you should also make sure that it is not going to rekindle (for example by covering it with sand).
Pyrotechnics and firecrackers: fun versus safety?
A firecracker can spoil the party if you do not know how to handle it, or if you have bought items that do not fit the age of the children who are going to handle them. Remember that firecrackers can not only cause burns and other injuries when exploding, they also generate many decibels and put hearing health at risk. It is no less serious a possible conjunctivitis or blindness if they explode near the eyes.
They should be purchased from trusted establishments, keep a safe distance, and read the instructions on how to use them.
What if someone gets burned?
In general, we should cover the wound with a clean cloth (preferably cotton), and previously we can cool a little too (with cloth soaked in bottled water, salt water is not worth it). At the same time you should go to the toilets (in crowded places there is usually an emergency device) or call the health emergency number (061).
Do not apply products such as creams on the burn.
If someone's clothing catches fire, you will need to help them roll on the ground to put out. You do not try to remove clothing that is attached to the skin while it is hot! Always consult the medical staff, unless you have good first aid training.
You already know: have fun, let the little ones soak up the magic of this night ... but also be careful.