My Bondi Summer - My Bondi Summer

Bondi usually sizzles in summer, but today’s temp is out of the ordinary. If the
mercury hits the expected top of 43 degrees today it will be the third hottest day
ever recorded in Sydney.

Cooling off with a quick swim at the beach might be good idea, but you actually
don’t want to be outdoors much at all. It’s just not comfortable and also puts you
at risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps. It's too hot today - even for the beach!

Some tips for staying cool in a heat wave:
• Stay out of the sun between 11am and 6pm, if you can.
• Drink lots of water (avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as these will

dehydrate you further).

• If your accommodation is too hot then head to the cinema, Bondi shopping centres, the library, or somewhere with air con.
• Wear loose fitting clothes
• Eat light meals like this watermelon salad

By now you might have noticed the signs up about Bondi's Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) on Christmas Day. The council, police and security guards have a reputation for confiscating anything resembling alcohol on Christmas Day, and crushing backpacker's jolly Christmas dreams. Our advice is not to bother - you really won't be able to drink alcohol on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day. 

But don't just take our word for it - A first hand experience of Christmas Day written by a traveller to Bondi Beach 
"We huddled beneath a shelter, exchanging gifts (all bought from the dollar shop) and getting stuck into a box of goon that was swiftly confiscated by the police. So much for Christmas cheer!"

- read about it here. 

What are Your Plans?

Your best bet is to either not drink at all on Christmas Day, or head to one of the licensed premises close to Bondi Beach. The venues open on Christmas Day are listed here. 

One of the first things many people notice when they land in Australia is how harsh the sun feels. The Australian sun is one of the harshest in the world. Intense UV radiation passes through the atmosphere and lands bang right here in Bondi. This UV radiation is harmful to you because causes sunburn and skin cancer. UV radiation can be strong even on cool, grey and overcast days.

This post is a bit lecture-some, we know - but we see far too many sunburnt travelers lining up at chemists and filling doctor's surgeries each summer. They aren't idiots, they just underestimate how harsh the sun is. We also know a bit about the real costs of a 'healthy glow'. If you need convincing about how important sun safety is watch this video. 

So what if I get sunburnt - I’ll get a tan, right? 

You might, but it's more likely you'll fit in with the scores of pained and lobster-red backpackers spotted in Bondi each summer. No one writes home about this experience as being fun - at best it’s a dull travel tale. If the burn to your skin is bad you will need to stay indoors to let your skin recover. If it’s really bad you will need to go to the doctor.

For severe sunburn (blistering, fever, nausea), see a doctor. It's important to drink lots of fluids as sunburn can cause dehydration, but avoid cold drinks, which can cause chills. It can also help to have a cool (not cold) shower, and to apply cool or lukewarm compresses. 

Did you know? Water magnifies the sun's harmful rays. If you feel you've had enough sun move indoors, not into the water. Also, remember to re-apply sunblock after swimming. 

What do the experts recommend? – From the Cancer Council 

Staying in the shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to the sun. Remember, you can still get sunburnt even if you are in the shade! This is largely due to reflected UV radiation that bounces off surfaces such as concrete, water and sand. 

• Slip on clothing that covers your arms and legs 

• Slap on a broad brimmed hat 

• Slop on 30+, broad-spectrum sunscreen 

• Seek shade 

• Slide on wrap around sunglasses

Being sunburnt can be a real hassle. It messes with your plans and can make your holiday a real pain. 

Things you won’t be able to do sunburnt. 

• Go back in the sun. You will want to find somewhere in indoors to hang out. 
• Sleep well. Those sheets you’ve been sleeping in will suddenly feel more like sandpaper.  
• Wear perfumes or deodorants with alcohol in them. Youch! 
• Shave. Youch!
• Get a massage. 
• Do anything really active. Your skin feels really hot and you feel like resting a lot. 
• Snorkel or swim outdoors (the water magnifies the sun) 
• Look your best. Your skin will peel off, 
• Have a conversation without someone saying ‘oh god, you’re really burnt’. 
• Drink alcohol. Due to the time spent in the sun you body will likely become dehydrated. It makes you feel really horrible and foggy. Vibe killer. 

Be sun smart and keep your memories sweet!

Your photos on the My Bondi Summer Blog!

Take a photo of you and your friends being sun safe - think cute hats, sunnies, or even chilling out in the shade and send them in! The best shots will be published on the My Bondi Summer blog! Email team@mybondisummer.com.au 

Stepping out in Bondi on New Year's Eve is an adventure - and like all adventures you need a bit of a game plan. It's important to know who you'll be hanging out with and where you'll be going...