Immediate Care for Beach-Related Injuries
5 Common Tybee Island Urgent Care Injuries
Georgia’s coastlines from Tybee Island to Skidaway and everywhere in between are perfect for sun-filled adventures. But whether you’re splashing in the surf, biking by the boardwalk, or cruising on an electric scooter, the fun can come to a halt with an unexpected injury.
At Your Family Medical Group, with urgent care clinics in Wilmington Island, Berwick, and Sandfly, we treat many common beach injuries quickly, safely, and without the ER wait. Here are five frequent summer mishaps we see and how we can help you recover fast.
Beach-Related Urgent Care Services
Comprehensive Care for Beach Injuries
1. Electric Scooter Fractures & Road Rash
The Injury:
Scooters are popular near beaches and downtown Savannah, but they’re also a growing #1 source of fractures, scrapes, and head injuries.
Common Injuries Include:
- Wrist, collarbone, or ankle fractures from falls
- Road rash or cuts from crashing on pavement
- Head injuries from riding without a helmet
How We Can Help:
- In-house X-rays to detect fractures
- Wound care for abrasions
- Referrals for orthopedic follow-up if needed
- Tetanus shots, if required
Safety Reminder: Always wear a helmet and shoes while riding scooters, and obey traffic rules.
2. Sunburns & Heat-Related Illnesses
The Injury:
Georgia summers can be brutal. Long beach days without adequate sunscreen or hydration can lead to painful sunburns and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Symptoms Include:
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- Red, hot, or blistered skin
- Headache, dizziness, nausea
- Rapid heartbeat or fatigue
- Fever or chills
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How We Can Help: Our urgent care clinics treat moderate to severe sunburns with:
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- Topical relief creams
- Hydration therapy
- Prescription pain relief or antibiotics (if the skin is infected)
- Monitoring for signs of heat stroke
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Tip: If you start to feel faint, dizzy, or sick from the heat, seek medical care immediately, especially if you’re severely sunburned or dehydrated.
3. Cuts from Shells: Keep OFF the Jetties!
The Injury:
Sharp shells, broken glass, or barnacle-covered Jetties often lead to foot and leg lacerations. These cuts, especially in saltwater, are prone to infection.
Symptoms Include:
- Bleeding or deep cuts
- Pain and swelling
- Redness, pus, or heat at the wound site
How We Can Help:
- Thorough cleaning and bandaging
- Antibiotics or tetanus shots
- Stitches if needed
Don’t wait if a wound becomes red or swollen. Minor injuries can quickly become serious in a humid, salty environment.
4. Sprains, Twists & Muscle Strains
The Injury:
Running in soft sand, jumping in the surf, or playing volleyball barefoot can easily lead to twisted ankles, strained calves, or pulled muscles.
Symptoms Include:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising around joints
- Limited range of motion
- Trouble walking or standing
How We Can Help:
- On-site evaluation and X-rays with our Ortho Specialist
- Custom splinting or bracing
- Pain management and recovery plans
Walk into any of our clinics for fast care and avoid the long waiting times. If you believe you will need an X-ray, please call our clinic ahead of time or on your way.
5. Jellyfish Stings & Marine Irritations
The Injury:
Jellyfish stings and sea lice are common summer culprits from Tybee’s beaches through the Savannah coastal waterways. These stings can cause sharp pain, rashes, or allergic reactions.
Symptoms Include:
- Burning or stinging pain
- Redness, swelling, or welts
- Difficulty breathing (in rare allergic cases)
How We Can Help:
Our providers will:
- Rinse and clean the affected area
- Apply antihistamines or steroid creams.
Local Tip: Pack a bottle of vinegar + water solution in your beach bag. Vinegar spray can also be found at the life guard stations.
Stay Safe Under the Sun
Hydration and Urgent Care Visits
Staying hydrated is crucial during your beach day to prevent heat-related illnesses. If you experience severe sunburns, jellyfish stings, or sprains, it’s important to know when to seek urgent care. Look out for symptoms like blistering burns, intense pain, or allergic reactions, and visit our Wilmington Island clinic for immediate assistance.
Common Tybee Island Beach Injuries
Recognize and Respond
Sunburn
Severe sunburns can cause blistering, pain, and swelling. Seek medical attention if burns cover large areas or show signs of infection.
Jellyfish Stings
Jellyfish stings can result in sharp pain and redness. If you experience severe pain or allergic reactions, visit our urgent care.
Sprains
Sprains from beach activities can cause swelling and difficulty moving. If pain persists or you can’t bear weight, get checked by a professional.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Rehydrate and cool down, but seek care if symptoms worsen.
Dehydration
Look for signs like dry mouth and fatigue. Drink fluids and seek help if symptoms are severe.
Insect Bites
Swelling and itching are common. If reactions are severe, consult our medical team for treatment.
Cuts and Scrapes
Clean and bandage minor injuries. Visit us if wounds are deep or show signs of infection.
Fractures
Fractures can occur from falls. If you suspect a fracture, visit our clinic for diagnostics and care.
Our Closest Urgent Care to Tybee Island- Urgent Care of Wilmington Island
Address
Wilmington Island Urgent Care: 212 Johnny Mercer Blvd Suite A, Savannah, GA 31410
Phone
When in Doubt Walk In
No appointment? No problem. Our friendly, local providers are ready to help you feel better fast. Skip the ER, avoid long waits, and get back to enjoying the coast with Your Family Medical Group.
Walk In for Immediate Care
Don’t let unexpected injuries or illnesses ruin your day. Visit our urgent care clinics for prompt, professional medical attention without the need for an appointment. Our team is ready to help you feel better, fast. We’re open 7 days a week!