We’ll cover some of the hazards you might encounter. Most are not unique to Southwest Florida and will apply on other coasts, too. Bear with me here: some of these things are common sense and may leave you shaking your head. When you come, look around you on the beach. Count the people who are developing a serious case of sunburn and the ones who have no hat or water bottles. If there aren’t any, it’s because they read all this.
- Dehydration and heat stroke are risks anywhere the temperature is high. Prevention is the key: have a hat, preferably a well-ventilated one, like a broad brim straw hat. Drink lots of water (beer doesn’t count).
- Sunburn is easily prevented with a waterproof sunscreen. It can be serious and, in some cases, actually cause death. It almost certainly will take several days out of your beach time. Don’t be misled by less than bright days. The white sand acts like a magnifier and mirror– a sort of giant tanning bed run amok. Be especially cautious on things like fishing piers where you can easily lose track of time.
- Rip tides are especially dangerous in the Gulf mostly because you don’t expect them. Our surf is usually not a lot more than you’d see on a sheltered bay. Nevertheless, rip tides down here have been known to sweep swimmers right out to sea. Jetties are the most common structures around which to be cautious in this area. Jetties are also made with large, rough rocks which are often covered with barnacles, oysters, and other sharp-edged critters. Sand bars running parallel to the beach are another location: the bars themselves may be a result of rip tide action. You should also avoid swimming near fishing piers. While there may be some danger of a rip current, you’re at more risk of getting snagged by someone’s hook. Stay off at least 100 yards (100 meters).
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