Things to Know

No matter where you travel, it’s smart to keep an eye on things and know what’s going on around you.

RECREATIONAL SAFETY TIPS

Ocean Water Safety
Fresh Water Swimming & Drinking Water Sources
Hiking
Mountain Climbing
Rockslides
Flash Floods

PERSONAL SAFETY

Many visitors to Sanya are so happy to be here, so entranced by the beauty and hospitality, they tend to let their guard down and do things they would not do at home. Visitors need to be as security-conscious as they are at home. This means:

• Do not leave anything of value unattended or in plain sight in your car, anywhere, especially on the beach, in restaurants or lobbies. Lock them in your trunk if you must carry them before arriving at the destination.
• Better yet, leave valuable or important items at your hotel’s safe, if one’s available, in your room safe.
• Carry most of your money in travelers checks and very little cash. Travelers checks are replaceable, cash is not.

Sanya’s ocean is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips to help you in waters:

• Strong, hidden currents can easily overpower the most experienced swimmer.
• Standing on rock outcroppings can be dangerous because of the risk of a sudden, powerful wave.
• Swim only in areas where lifeguards are on duty. Always check conditions with a lifeguard before venturing into the water.
• If you are unfamiliar with rapidly changing conditions which are common to ocean beaches, it is not recommended that you swim in areas where lifeguards are not present.
• Pay attention to warning signs, if any, posted on the beach.
  

• Avoid entering streams and ponds when you have open cuts or abrasions on your skin.
• Do not drink the water without first purifying it by boiling or with purification tablets.
• Harmful bacteria, such as leptospiroisis, are likely to be present in all freshwater streams and ponds, and may pose a serious threat to your health.
  

Sanya is an awesome place to hike. But some trails can be dangerous and should only be traversed by experienced hikers.

• Know the trail you plan to hike.
• Let people know where you’re going.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Hike with a partner.
• Use common sense and your hiking experience will be a good one.

Sanya’s mountains are not suitable for roping or climbing. The volcanic rocks are often porous, crumbly weathering basalt, providing unstable support, and thus make mountain climbing exceedingly dangerous.

Steep valley walls and sea cliffs are subject to fairly numerous rock slides and rock falls. Falling rocks are also a common hazard under waterfalls. As a safety precaution, avoid the base of steep cliffs and waterfalls. If not possible, at least reduce the time you are exposed to this hazard.

Gentle streams can quickly become rushing torrents. Watch for signs of flash flooding:

Increase in the speed of the stream flow.
Rapid rise in stream level.
A distant rumbling upstream.
The smell of fresh earth.

Be prepared to move immediately to higher ground and never attempt to cross the stream when the water level is above your knees.