Your Safety

 

NPS/Photo Roman

Heat Related Illness

Heat Related illness can occur anywhere, especially in the summer season. There are precautions that can be taken to ensure you have a safe and fun day at the beach.

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburns, and heat rash are examples or heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses are serious and can lead to death if not treated quickly. Stay cool, hydrated, and informed to beat the heat while visiting the park! If you plan to visit the park on a hot day or be out in the sun all day, follow these safety tips:

• Check the weather forecast and park alerts. Check the weather conditions for extreme heat alerts and stop by the visitor center before visiting the park.
• Pick the right activity for your abilities. Use the “Plan Your Visit” section to pick an activity.
• Take plenty of breaks. Rest in the shade or cool down in air conditioning.
• Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated and drink before you feel thirsty. Plan to bring extra water, just in case you need it. Sports beverages can help replace salt and minerals lost from sweat.
• Wear sun protection. UVA/UVB sunscreen, a hat, lightweight and light-colored clothing, and sunglasses are recommended.
• Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. The temperature in a car can rise very quickly!
• Learn about heat-related illnesses. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and how to treat them. Call 9-1-1, or if there is no cell service, find a ranger to help.

 

Rip Currents

A rip current is a current that flows away from the beach. These currents can extend from the near shore through the surf zone to out past the breaking waves. The surf zone streches from the high tide line out to the breaking waves.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current. Stay calm, swim parallel to the shore, and slowly work your way back to shore at an angle.

If you have an emergency call 911.

 

NPS/photo

Jelly Fish

During summer months the warm waters cause creatures such as jellyfish and man-o-war to multiply. Tides can cause them to wash in shore where people swim. Look out for this balloon like creature with purplish tentacles on our beaches at this moment. While enjoying the beach you may want to carry a bottle of vinegar with you. If you get stung vinegar will help neutralize the sting. Also you must remove any tentacle stingers that may stick on your skin (sand helps). Hot water also helps neutralize the sting. Keep in mind that they travel with the currents so may come and go seasonally.

 

 

 

Safety Tips

• Wear sunscreen or other sun protection. Drink fluids and stay cool to prevent heat exhaustion.
• Swim with a buddy. Avoid rough surf where strong currents such as rip tides may develope. Stay calm if you are in trouble. Float with the current and signal for help. Swimming perpendicular to the current may bring you out of a rip current. Trying to swim towards shore against the rip current while being pulled out will lead to exhaustion.
• Lightening stikes quickly. Seek shelter during a storm.
• While boating have one life preserver per person and wear them. Check the weather forecast before leaving. An overloaded boat is an unsafe boat.
• Caution, the surf can contain many hazards. Be aware of submerged objects, jellyfish, sharks, catfish, and other stinging and biting inhabitants. Avoid all jellyfish in the water and on land.
• Pick up park maps, program schedules, trail guides, fishing regulations, and camping permits at the Apollo Beach visitor center.
• Canaveral National Seashore is actively working to make every boardwalk accessible for people with disabilities.