Can a beach be unhealthy?

As water flows from land to coastal waters, it is often contaminated by untreated sewage from boats, pets, failing septic systems, fertilizers, and spills from hazardous substances. High levels of bacteria and other chemicals in the water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses in those who swim directly in the water.



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Beach-related Illnesses Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely populations to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water, usually while swimming. Fortunately, while swimming-related illnesses are unpleasant, they are usually not very serious.

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The beach is a popular summer playground for humans, but pathogens like to hang out there, too, and can infect you, if you're unaware of them. These bacteria, viruses and microorganisms can get into the water through runoff after rainfall, untreated sewage and even from other beachgoers.

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Another potential source of illness includes some types of cyanobacteria that form algal “blooms” (discolored water) and the toxins they produce. When people are exposed to cyanotoxins, they may have hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even kidney or liver damage.

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A trip to the beach should be fun. Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed along our nation's beaches by hazards such as dangerous currents, tsunamis, heat and lightning. The National Weather Service can help ensure you leave the beach with good memories.

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Kamilo Beach, located on the south-eastern tip of Hawaii's Big Island, has been dubbed one of the most plastic-polluted spots on the planet.

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Swimming in the “middle” of the ocean has some risk, but is doable. From your perspective, only the first 50 m really matters… deeper requires specialized training and equipment.

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Another potential source of illness includes some types of cyanobacteria that form algal “blooms” (discolored water) and the toxins they produce. When people are exposed to cyanotoxins, they may have hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even kidney or liver damage.

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Drowning is the number one cause of death on private and public beaches, water parks, jet skis, and other watercraft.

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Vibrio bacteria risks Vibrio bacteria naturally occur in some coastal waters and reach higher concentrations when water temperatures are warmer, between May and October, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Research has consistently found that many aspects of being at the beach is soothing and can help ease depression. People who live by the water report better physical and mental health than those who don't. Another study found that people who live in homes with ocean views feel more calm than those who don't.

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Rip currents, lightning, sharks, sun burn, poor water quality and marine debris — now that certainly does not evoke thoughts of an idyllic beach day, but anything can happen and its best to be prepared. In fact, these are just a handful of the many dangers you can encounter at the beach on any given day.

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Ilyas, MD. Elevated levels of ABRs on the skin lasted for six hours post-swim, according to the study To reduce the risk of skin infections, it's best to shower shortly after you've been in the ocean. Much like with showering post-workout, a shower after the ocean washes away bacterium.

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