Tag

Beach Safety

All articles tagged with #beach safety

Gulf Coast caution: Vibrio risk prompts beach safety, not alarm for Galveston
health12 days ago

Gulf Coast caution: Vibrio risk prompts beach safety, not alarm for Galveston

Louisiana reports a spike in Vibrio vulnificus (nine cases, five deaths) on the Gulf Coast, while Galveston remains within its typical annual range (five cases, two hospitalizations) with all recoveries so far. Health officials warn that the bacteria can infect wounds or be contracted from eating raw oysters, and advise cautious beachgoing. Those at higher risk include people with liver disease or weakened immune systems. Check the Beach Watch water-quality alerts before swimming; awareness and precautions are key as Gulf water temperatures rise.

Santa Cruz Warns: Warm Weekend Brings Sneaker Waves and Strong Currents
local25 days ago

Santa Cruz Warns: Warm Weekend Brings Sneaker Waves and Strong Currents

As a heatwave draws more people to the coast, Santa Cruz lifeguards logged 34 rescues and nearly 5,850 preventative contacts over a weekend as sneaker waves and dangerous rip currents persisted; officials say most drownings occur at unguarded beaches, urge beachgoers to stay near lifeguard towers and call 911 if needed, and remind the public that the viral Seabright rescue underscores the sea’s unpredictability (the incident also drew a White House invitation for the 16-year-old lifeguard).

Bay Area Braces for Heat Peak Amid Hazardous Surf and Fire Risk
weather28 days ago

Bay Area Braces for Heat Peak Amid Hazardous Surf and Fire Risk

The Bay Area is set for its hottest stretch yet, with inland temperatures potentially over 100°F this weekend, but the bigger danger is hazardous surf from distant hurricanes that has already prompted water rescues. Forecasters warn of sneaker waves and strong rip currents, urging people to stay out of the water and off jetties, while dry conditions elevate wildfire risk inland.

Drone captures close encounter as great white sharks lurk near kids off Southern California coast
california1 month ago

Drone captures close encounter as great white sharks lurk near kids off Southern California coast

A great white shark was seen swimming dangerously close to a group of children off the Southern California coast, with drone video showing the encounter from about a mile away. The photographer said the kids were unaware of the shark’s presence, noted a dorsal-fin wound that could be from a boat propeller, and observed the shark breach twice, suggesting the injury might keep it lingering and more willing to approach people.

Direct Lightning Fatality at Fort Myers Beach Leaves Three Injured
local1 month ago

Direct Lightning Fatality at Fort Myers Beach Leaves Three Injured

A man was killed by a direct lightning strike at Fort Myers Beach while four people were in the Gulf; one victim died at the scene and three others were transported to a hospital with injuries. Bystanders and first responders performed CPR and used an AED before help arrived. The deceased was identified as 51-year-old Viktar Kiryk.A. The fire district and authorities urged people to seek shelter during storms and remain vigilant about weather conditions.

The Venomous Beauty of Cone Snails: Harpoons, Toxins, and the Danger of Collecting Shells
science2 months ago

The Venomous Beauty of Cone Snails: Harpoons, Toxins, and the Danger of Collecting Shells

Cone snails are a diverse group of venomous sea snails that hunt with a harpoon-like tooth that injects neurotoxins, quickly paralyzing prey and sometimes causing death in humans; their striking shells attract collectors, but even empty shells can injure due to residual venom, so people are advised to avoid handling them and to photograph instead, with some areas even restricting shell removal.

WA safety probe opened after resort gear rental linked to family drift at sea
local6 months ago

WA safety probe opened after resort gear rental linked to family drift at sea

WorkSafe WA has begun initial enquiries into the hotel that supplied a kayak and inflatable paddleboards to the Appelbee family, who were swept offshore at Geographe Bay. Thirteen-year-old Austin swam four hours to raise the alarm as his mother and siblings were rescued about 14km offshore. The Club Wyndham Resort says guests can use resort equipment on a complimentary basis and is conducting a safety review, while AMSA also said it was investigating. Experts warn inflatable watercraft can be hazardous and offshore winds can push calm water into dangerous conditions.

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases and Deaths Along the Gulf Coast
health1 year ago

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases and Deaths Along the Gulf Coast

Cases of the potentially deadly flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus are above average along the Gulf Coast in 2025, likely due to warm water temperatures, with increased risks for those with wounds or consuming raw seafood. Health officials advise avoiding water with cuts and being cautious with seafood, especially oysters, to prevent infection.