We've collected some top tips to keep in mind as you're out and about this summer. In addition to being aware and following all local laws and regulations of the area(s) you visit, these tips are great to know and practice every time you're in or near the water. Let's dive in!
It's no secret that people love water recreation- boating, diving, swimming and so many other ways to have fun on the water. As soon as the summer sun breaks over the horizon, beach attendance soars just like the temperature.
More people at the beach means more humans entering the water, with that comes the increase unfortunately negative cases of human-wildlife interactions. With the right knowledge and ample respect for these aquatic environments and animals all of these cases can be prevented!
Keeping the below tips in mind is helpful but note this is not a complete list nor substitution for taking safety/emergency aid courses. It's important you research, understand and adhere to local regulations (yes, even being a 'tourist'- it's still your responsibility), learning and obtaining any required permits or operator licensing, researching dive operations, etc. however you plan on exploring the magical underwater world that makes life on Earth so special.
KNOW THE RISK FACTORS BEFORE you go:
For this post we're focusing on swimming and not getting into water crafts or dive safety. There are so many wonderful resources with a simple online search that can help you stay safe while boating or while using other water equipment.
It's a good idea to check with your local tour guides and dive shops to learn more about state safety regulations or related safety courses available in your area.
'Better safe than sorry' General safety on the water can be the same regardless of what activity you're doing.
You'll need to look up conditions before you head out to reduce the risk of something going wrong. Check if there's an incoming storm, know the currents or danger spots, if there are any other reported risks in the area that make a location unsafe- avoid it.
General Swimming Rules to Follow:
Always swim with a buddy AND swim in areas that have a lifeguard.
Stay out of the water if you are tired, sick, very cold, or overheated.
Avoid swimming at night in unlighted or murky areas.
Don’t chew gum or eat while swimming (Choking hazard)
Get out of the water if you see lightning or hear thunder, if water conditions worsen and/or become too difficult to manage safely.
TRUST YOURSELF, if something feels 'off', it's time to go!
Rules for the Beach (via Tampa Fire & Rescue):
Know where the nearest lifeguard stand is.
Be sure you know the surf conditions before you enter the water.
Check for warning flags & observe danger signs.
Swim well away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms; never swim near a dam or boat ramp.
Be on the lookout for dangerous marine life, get out of the water if advised to do so.
If you swim out from shore, remember you have to swim back.
If you are caught in a current, don’t try to fight it or swim against it. You can make it back to shore by swimming gradually away from it.
Never be pressured by anyone into a dangerous stunt.
Check out this safety checklist for open water swimming, and swimming with children. GUIDE HERE
If you're especially worried about encounters of the shark variety being knowledgeable about water safety can help you face your fears. (Read our Galeophobia post HERE)
Understanding basic shark behavior and habits, acknowledging the fact sharks aren't out to 'get you' while also knowing they must be respected just as any other wild animal will help keep you and sharks safe.
*Avoid swimming at night or twilight hours when sharks are most active and use extra caution when waters are murky.
*Avoid uneven tanning and bright colored clothing as sharks see contrast particularly well.
*Avoid wearing shiny jewelry- not only could it easily be lost but the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales and draw unwanted attention to you while swimming.
Remember: If it isn't safe to head out, DON'T RISK IT!
Before you venture out: double check weather and all equipment/supplies check, know currents and visibility conditions, and always good to really know AND trust the people/group you're heading out with; Don't GO ALONE!
DO NOT TOUCH, FEED or otherwise HARASS WILDLIFE!
No matter which social media influencer or D-list celebrity you saw on shark week do it, don't touch wild animals. Not only could your actions result in your own serious injury (even death!), the impact of your interference is felt long after you've left.
Not only is touching and/or feeding wildlife illegal in several regions, it actually causes more dire long-term damage to animal populations as well as their environments.
Keep in Mind:
Discarded food scraps and garbage can make wildlife sick or even kill them. Items left behind can also indirectly impact wildlife when an animal higher in the food chain preys on an animal that has eaten toxic materials.
Your actions could lead to retaliatory acts if something happens to you (injuries or fatalities often lead to animal culls or hunts, spikes in animal abuse, violence etc.) and can permanently alter wildlife habits or behaviors where the area wildlife becomes dependent on being fed by humans and left unable to survive on their own.
Additionally, specialized skin/scale coatings on marine animals or others like amphibians are negatively impacted when touched or held making the animal more susceptible to illnesses and causes unnecessary stress that could lead to death.
Remember: Leave only tracks and take only photos.
It's vital whenever you're in another environment to respect it and treat its animals with care- after all, you're in THEIR habitat.
Watch from a safe distance, do not crowd or corner an animal and feel lucky for the moment you're witnessing!
COMMIT TO BEING 'SHARK SAFE':
1.) Avoid waters with known effluents or sewage or those used by sport/ commercial fisherman. Watch out for signs of bait fish or feeding activity that may present - diving seabirds are great indicators!
2.) Use caution in areas between sandbars or near steep drop offs as those are favorite shark hangouts.
3.) Be aware that sighting sea mammals like porpoises does not mean there aren't sharks in the area- remember, both animals eat similar prey!
4.) Never dive nor swim alone; stay in groups and don't wander far from shore.
5.) Refrain from excess splashing and be mindful that bringing pets into the water puts them at risk too. In fact, ISAF recommends not allowing pets in the water because of their erratic movements.
Check out our sources:
INTERNATIONAL SHARK ATTACK FILE (ISAF) -
Florida Museum of Natural History
The American Elasmobranch Society
Water Safety Checklist: Safekids.org
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