Page 27 - The Barefoot Guide (2019)

STAYING SAFE AT THE BEACH to do the same. If caught in a rip current, officials. When thunderstorms or lightning
you should stay calm to conserve energy threaten, seek cover promptly in a large
A trip to North Carolina’s beautiful beaches is and allow yourself to think clearly. Don’t try enclosed building or if not possible, an
an enjoyable and memorable experience for to fight the current. Instead, swim out in a enclosed metal vehicle. The National Weather
many visitors and families. Whether you’re direction following the shoreline, and swim Service recommends waiting 30 minutes until
going swimming, sailing or surfing, taking toward shore once you’re out of the current. after the last thunder crack before returning
strolls in the sand or laying out to catch to the beach. You can always get the latest
some sun or participating in any of the many Beach Warning Flags on tropical storm forecasts from the National
other activities at our coastal attractions, we Watch for flags posted at many beach access Hurricane Center.
want your time at the beach to be as safe as sites signifying water conditions. The chart
it is fun. Here are some tips to help you stay below is representative of the most Sharks
safe. commonly used standards. Most shark encounters with humans are
cases of mistaken identity. Swimmers, surfers
Exposure to the Sun • and others in the water may splash and
Enjoying the sunshine means also being present visual targets that mislead the shark,
aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure • causing it to mistake people for prey. Most
to the sun. Proper and regular application of • attacks occur in near-shore waters, between
sunscreen to exposed skin will help protect sandbars or near steep drop-offs where
your skin from sunburn and sun damage. • sharks feed. Chances of encountering a shark
Remember to reapply sunscreen every time • in North Carolina waters are very low.
you get out of the water.
To further reduce your risk, consider the
Rip Currents following tips from the North Carolina
Rip currents are channeled currents of water Jellyfish Aquarium at Fort Fisher:
that flow away from shore and can quickly Jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war stings
pull even the strongest swimmers out to are best avoided by staying aware of beach • Do not enter the water or swim near a
sea. Since the current flows under water, it’s surroundings. In the case of a sting, it should pier, as they attract baitfish that sharks
important to know the signs of a rip current be treated quickly. Jellyfish have clear, feed on and are a very likely place for
and avoid the water in that area. jellylike bodies with tentacles with stinging sharks to swim if they come close to
structures hanging below and swim under shore.
According to the National Oceanic and water. The Portuguese man o’ war has a • Avoid waters being used by sport or
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), colorful, air-filled bladder that keeps it afloat commercial fishermen, especially if
indicators of rip currents include: on the surface of the water with tentacles there are signs of baitfish or feeding
stretching underneath. If you spot either, stay activity. Diving seabirds are good
• A channel of churning, choppy water. calm, get out of the water and alert others. indicators of such action.
• Notable differences in water color. Both inject venom when they sting and • Always stay in groups. Sharks are more
• Lines of foam, seaweed or debris moving can sting even after they’re dead, so avoid likely to attack a solitary individual.
steadily seaward. touching those washed up on the beach. • Avoid being in the water during dusk,
• A break in the incoming wave pattern. Common sting symptoms include red welts, darkness or twilight hours. This is when
blisters, pain, tingling and itching. sharks are most active and have a
Check the National Weather Service Surf sensory advantage.
Zone Forecasts for the latest rip current, To treat a jellyfish sting: • Wearing shiny jewelry in the water is
high and low tide and surf height discouraged because the reflected light
information. Depending on which beach • Wear gloves or other hand covering to resembles the sheen of fish scales.
you’re headed to, you’ll want to check remove tentacles. • Avoid wearing brightly colored
either the Morehead City/Outer Banks or • Wash the affected area with vinegar or contrasting clothing in the water. Sharks
Wilmington regional forecasts. rubbing alcohol. see contrast particularly well.
• Do not rinse with water, which could • Refrain from excess splashing to
Flags on public beaches also indicate rip release more venom. minimize your risk.
current alerts: green for low hazard and calm • Contact a lifeguard or doctor for further • Exercise caution when swimming
conditions, yellow for medium hazard with treatment as needed. between sandbars or near steep
moderate surf conditions, and red for high • drop-offs. These are favorite hangouts
hazard with rough conditions indicating rip Severe Weather for sharks.
currents. Be sure to look for flags on lifeguard Be attentive to any weather-related watches • Do not enter the water if bleeding. A
stations, and read the sign keys when arriving or warnings issued by the National Weather shark’s sense of smell is acute.
at the beach. If you see warning signs of Service or local authorities, and follow
rip currents or moderate or high hazard carefully any precautionary directions
flags, stay out of the water and alert others or evacuation notices from public safety visitNC.com/beachsafety

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