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 Gulf
Islands National Seashore has pure white sand beaches and crystal clear
water. Swimming is allowed along most of the parks beaches, but always
check the visitor center in the area for weather and any surf updates.
Surf and
weather updates are important, calm beaches can turn into rough seas as
a tropical storm moves through the area. Know the currents and how to
swim out of them. Florida also has a number of marine fauna that can
sting or injure a swimmer.
Currents
Littoral
Current
Littoral (along shore) currents are evidenced by waves breaking at an
angle. This common current moves westward. To escape this current swim
straight in or at an angle with the current.
Backwash
Current
A backwash current on a steeply sloping beach can pull swimmers toward
deeper water, but its power is swiftly checked by incoming waves. To escape
this current swim straight in if you're a strong swimmer. If not, wait
and float until the current stops. Then swim in. If the current takes
you out through incoming waves, it is a seaward current.
Seaward
Current
Seaward current (also called "rip tides") are dangerous, though
not as common as backwash and littoral currents. A seaward current will
carry a swimmer out from shore, sometimes at an angle. To
escape
this current swim to the side, in the direction of the littoral current.
When free of the current, swim straight in. Never try to swim against
seaward currents.
Marine Animals
Sharks
To avoid
possible shark interactions, do not swim at dusk or dawn and avoid murky
waters. Stay out of schools of fish.
Jellyfish
Stings and Portuguese Man-of-War
Apply vinegar to the area. Then, if available, apply Xylocaine or meat
tenderizer. In treating the sting, vinegar "fixes" the stinging
cells on the skin, while Xylocaine neutralizes the toxin of the stinging
cells. In regards to the reduction of pain, the Xylocaine works to some
degree but nothing is as effective as time.
Puncture
by Spines of Stingrays and Spiny Fish (Catfish)
Soak injured area in hot water. The toxin injected into the wound by the
spine appears to be inactivated by heat. Dramatic recovery normally results
by soaking in hot water for thirty to sixty minutes. Care should be taken
not to scald the victim since pain from the wound may mask normal reaction
to heat.
Whenever
signs of an allergic reaction occur, arrangements should be made for immediate
transportation to a hospital.
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