It is summertime in Florida, which means it is time to head to the beach! I love the beach as much (or maybe even more!) than the next Floridian, but there are some things we should keep in mind to stay safe at the beach. Whether you are a full time resident or visiting Florida on vacation, keep reading to learn ways to have fun and be safe out at the beach this summer.
This is one blog in a series of Florida 101 blogs – make sure to also read our Florida 101 posts on Forida weather, tides, and hurricanes.
Know before you go – beach safety resources
Do you know the beach flag warning system? Green flags indicate calm conditions. Yellow indicates moderate surf or currents and to swim with caution. If you are not a strong swimmer, avoid swimming under a yellow flag. Red indicates high surf and string currents, and swimming is not advised for safety reasons. Purple flags indicate there may be dangerous marine life present, often jellyfish or man-o-war. When you visit the beach, look for the nearest lifeguard stand, which usually has a beach flag and often a board with additional ocean conditions.
The National Weather Service has a new Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage with rip current risk level as well as UV index, water temperature, and weather information, which you can check before heading to the beach.
The sun – UV and heat
Protect yourself from the sun! The UV Index scale ranges from 1-11+. Anything above 8 is considered very high to extreme. Florida typically has high, very high, or extreme UV. Best practices to protect yourself from the sun include wearing lightweight protective clothing, mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and staying in shaded areas during peak UV times. No one wants to start their vacation with a sunburn! Remember, even if it is cloudy, you can still get sunburned.
Along with the effects of the sun causing potential sunburn, it also just makes it hot! Heat related illnesses, including heat stress and heat exhaustion, can result in feeling tired, excessive sweating, a high body temperature, and a quickened pulse. Avoid heat stress by staying out of direct sunlight or hot and humid conditions for too long and staying hydrated by drinking water. As long as conditions are safe, a dip in the ocean can help cool you off as well!
Rip currents
Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. Water is constantly moving to the beach through waves, and it needs somewhere to escape back offshore. These currents may appear as an area of calmer water between waves or may have sand suspended in the water. If the waves are strong, you are likely to encounter rip currents. You can check the risk of rip currents before you go to the beach through the National Weather Service. However, as a general rule, if there are waves, there can be a rip current.
If you do get caught in a rip current, stay calm and do not try to swim against the current. If you are comfortable doing so, swim parallel to shore until you have exited the rip current, then use the waves to help you get back to shore. If you are unable to swim, try to get the attention of a lifeguard and then remain calm and float. It is best practice to swim near a lifeguard whenever possible. Learn more about rip current safety in this one-minute video from Volusia County.
Portuguese man-o-war
This creature is not a true jellyfish, but it has a strong sting nonetheless! Look for purple flags on the beach, which could indicate the presence of Portuguese man-o-war or jellyfish. If you see man-o-war washed up on the beach, there is a chance they are also in the water, so swimming is not advised. Do not touch man-o-war or jellyfish that are washed up on shore, as the tentacles can still sting you. If you are stung by a Portuguese man-o-war, contact a lifeguard for help. Use tweezers to remove the tentacles, rinse the area with salt water, and soak the skin in hot water if available.
Stingrays
These creatures don’t want to hurt you, but they do have a barb in their tail they use for defense. If you accidentally step on them, they may whip their tail up and sting you in your foot or leg. Stingrays typically are found in calm water environments; therefore, you need to be especially careful if you walk in sandy areas along calm beaches or in lagoons. Always practice the “stingray shuffle” – shuffle your feet along the seafloor rather than taking full steps forward. If there is a stingray nearby, it will move out of the way when it feels you shuffling along rather than getting surprised when you step on it.
Sharks
Florida is home to many species of sharks that are an important part of our coastal ecosystems. The primary sharks found in the shallow, coastal waters of Florida are requiem shark species like blacktips and spinner sharks. These sharks have been responsible for shark bites in Florida, especially in Volusia County near New Smyrna Beach. The high incidence of bites in this area is related to its proximity to Ponce Inlet, which brings in food and lower visibility water. Shark bites to humans are unintentional and once these sharks realize they do not have their preferred food source they let go. Fatalities due to shark bites in Florida are extremely rare, with only two fatalities since data started being recorded in 1992. Best practices to be safe around sharks include to swim in groups, avoid swimming at dawn and dusk, and avoid water with sewage or areas used by fishermen.
Thunderstorms and lightning
Florida tends to get afternoon thunderstorms in the summer, and these storms often move in quickly. With thunder comes lightning, and unfortunately Florida has more lighting strikes than any other state due to the high number of people spending time outdoors and near the water. Be sure to check the weather report before you head to the beach but also keep an eye on the skies for dark clouds. If you can hear thunder, it means you are within striking distance of lighting, which can strike up to 10 miles away. If you hear thunder or see lighting, get out of the water and seek shelter. Read more about lightning safety with UF/IFAS Extension or listen to the All About Lighting episode of the Naturally Florida podcast.
With all of that being said, Florida’s beaches are some of the most beautiful and fun places that you can spend your time here in the sunshine state. With a little knowledge and awareness, visitors and residents alike can have a safe and fun visit to the beach. Check out the Beach Safety 101 video from Florida Sea Grant’s Florida Friendly Visitor program and share with your friends and family who are coming to visit the beach with you this summer!
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