Swimming is safe for most people. However, red tide can cause some people to suffer skin or eye irritation. People with respiratory illness may also experience respiratory irritation in the water.
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Swimming in waters with red tide is safe for most people. However, red tide may cause some people to suffer from skin irritation and burning eyes. If you experience irritation, get out of the water and thoroughly wash.
Yes, you can swim at our beaches, year 'round! Most visitors find our Gulf water temperatures quite pleasant, especially if they are coming from colder climates.
They are most common off the central and southwestern coasts of Florida between Clearwater and Sanibel Island but may occur anywhere in the Gulf. Blooms are less common but do occur along the southeastern Atlantic coast as far north as North Carolina.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, red tide has been detected in 157 samples along Florida's Gulf Coast, with the strongest concentrations found along Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
Another potential threat beachgoers should be aware of in Florida is Vibrio vulnificus — rare species of so-called flesh-eating bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater. The dangerous strain of vibrio bacteria has been linked to five deaths in Florida this year, state health officials said.
A recent University of South Florida model showed that the Tampa Bay area's worst red tide runs from Caladesi Island State Park to Belleair Beach. On Saturday, the southern beaches were mostly clear. The air didn't smell. But some visitors were still feeling the effects of the offshore blooms.
Current conditions: Below are the most recent sample results. We have not received any reports of dead fish or respiratory irritation. Forecast: No red tide impacts are expected at this time. To get the red tide respiratory forecast, please visit https://habforecast.gcoos.org.
How long does red tide last? There's no exact answer to this question. Red tide can last for days, weeks and sometimes months. It can also change daily depending on wind conditions and ocean currents.
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful area and a renowned vacation destination. But let's get one thing straight: The water is not clear. More often blue, green or even tea-colored, the water in the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor changes depending on the light and the algae in play.
Clearwater, famous for its sugar-sand beaches, is also a popular spot for jellyfish. Clearwater Beach, a top-rated beach in the U.S., is known for its warm, calm waters, which are a favorite among Sea Nettles during the summer and fall1.