A trip to the beach promises plenty of fun in the sun, and staying aware of the various types of dangerous marine life you could come across is the first step in keeping yourself and others safe. Preparation for unexpected oceanic encounters and marine life awareness allows you to stroll and swim with confidence. Here are three must-know tips to help you stay alert and safe on your next jaunt to the beach.
Purple Flag
Pay close attention to what is swimming around you when you see one of these, as purple flags indicate dangerous marine life is in the water. After purple flags go up alerting beachgoers that there is dangerous marine life present, it’s up to you to decide what you want to do. Purple flags are not indicative of beach closures as double red flags are. The purple flag’s purpose is to inform you of potentially hazardous conditions so that you know to keep your eyes open while walking along the beach or swimming in the water.
Dangerous Marine Life
Dangerous marine life applies to animals such as jellyfish, stingrays, rockfish, and more. Sharks are in a category entirely of their own and are not among this particular group of sea life. Red flags are used to alert swimmers and sunbathers to the presence of sharks. Some of the most deadly marine animals are incredibly beautiful, and you may want to get a closer look. Don’t approach any sea creature unless you know what it is and what kind of harm it’s capable of.
Be Prepared
In the event that you do encounter dangerous marine life, be prepared and react calmly. Having a safety plan in place prior to heading to the beach helps you to prevent an unexpected encounter and educates you on what to do if one is unavoidable. Do some research into the types of dangerous marine life that are common to the beach that you’re going to. Learning about the different varieties of hazardous marine life to avoid and knowing how to immediately treat injuries while help is on the way can save your life.
The hazards that certain types of marine life present can be life-threatening. Familiarizing yourself with the local sea life before heading into the water increases your chances of avoiding injuries from stings and bites. With some preparation and education, you can safely navigate the land or sea, and enjoy the beach.
