Never Swim Alone

Each year, lives are destroyed by drownings or near drownings. Most cases usually occur during the summer and involve tourists unfamiliar with local surf conditions.

Don't become a statistic. Take time now to review facts you should know about swimming when you visit our area, so you can return again and again.

Never swim alone. Water doesn't have to be deep to be dangerous. People drown in shallow water just as quickly as they drown in deep water.

Depths and distances are deceiving. Knowing the water and what to expect before you go swimming may save your life. You may be an expert in a swimming pool yet find yourself drowning in the surf when confronted with rip currents, sand bars and deep holes.

Be careful around sand bars and deep holes. Hidden deep spots in the surf are hazardous, especially for children. Waves can dig wide holes in the bottom near shore. You may step into one while wading in very shallow water. Or you may see swimmers standing in waist-deep water far from shore. What you don't see is how deep the water is between the beach and the sand bar they're standing on. Unless you swim very well, do not try to reach the sand bar offshore.

Rip currents are caused by the strong, seaward flow of water along the bottom near the shore. These currents can quickly sweep you into deep water. The rip currents are strong and sudden, but you can deal with them if you follow these tips and remember not to panic:

If you are caught by a rip current, do not try to swim straight for the shore. The strong current can exhaust and defeat even the best swimmer.

Stay calm and remember that the current is narrow and dies out beyond the breakers.

If the current is weak, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim ashore. If the current is strong, float with it until it dies out, then swim toward the shore.

Please note: Strong rip currents form near groins, jetties and piers, and they cut deep holes in the bottom. Stay at least 100 feet from these areas.

Swimmers Should Use Caution

The Gulf of Mexico is ideal for swimming, sailing and snorkeling, but a few of its inhabitants may sting, stick, bite or cut you. Encounters with these creatures are rare, but swimmers should use caution:

Jellyfish stings usually are mild but they can be painful. Apply vinegar or diluted ammonia to relieve the sting. Meat tenderizer or a paste of tenderizer and ammonia also will neutralize the toxins. Apply very warm water and hydrocortisone.

Watch for signs of shock, i.e., difficulty in breathing, cold, clammy, sweaty skin, fainting or nausea. If these symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately. These injuries are very painful.

The Portuguese man-o-war is distinguished by a beautiful, bright blue color. It appears as a harmless "blue bubble" lying on the beach, but it is a member of the jellyfish family and contains a very poisonous toxin. Avoid stepping on the man-o-war or trying to puncture its sac.

Catfish can be dangerous, whether you hook one while fishing or find one along the shoreline. Catfish spines are poisonous. You will need a tetanus shot if a catfish spine punctures your skin. Once your skin has been punctured be prepared for acute pain, swelling and nausea. Without treatment you may go into shock.