A dip in the surf or a run on the beach could result in serious injuries and long periods off work, a health conference at Byron Bay has heard.

The Private Practitioners Health Lifestyle Group was told nine per cent of all spinal injuries that happen in Australia each year are caused in shallow surf or pools or while surfing. Of this group, 75 per cent are males under 35 years of age.

Physiotherapist George Melit has seen the damage surf can do to the body firsthand.

“Every summer, I treat dozens of people who have been dumped in the surf and have seriously injured themselves,” he said,

“And it’s cost them financially as well as physically.

“Some of these people are so badly hurt, they have been forced to take months off work without pay.

“In the worst case scenario, people have broken their backs and become paralysed.”

Mr Melit has also treated injuries incurred during other other summer activities.

“The other things I see are painful calf muscle strains from playing cricket, kicking the footy, or running on the beach,” he said.

According to Mr Melit, people tend to get hurt on the beach because they are so used to wearing shoes that when they go barefoot on the sand, their muscles have to work in an unaccustomed manner.

“The sand may look inviting, but it can really lead to serious injury if you’re not careful,” he said.

Mr Melit has some tips if you want to ensure your trip to the coast doesn’t end in tragedy.

• Read the surf conditions on the lifesavers’ board and avoid rough surf;

• Enjoy your swim, but don’t show off in front of your mates;

• Drink lots of water – research has shown that a lot of muscle strains can be avoided if the body’s fluid and salt balance is maintained; and

• Do some simple stretches before you swim and play.