What should you avoid in the ocean?

Take care to avoid the following sea creatures*, which sometimes show up on or near the shore:
  • Jellyfish. These squishy critters injure beach-goers far more often than any other type of sea life. ...
  • Sea Urchins. Step on one of these spiny round invertebrates and you'll be sorry! ...
  • Lionfish. ...
  • Stingray.




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Rip Currents They are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that quickly pull swimmers out to sea. Rip currents typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. The best way to stay safe is to recognize the danger of rip currents.

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Sharks can easily mistake humans as prey when conditions are bad. Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk and at night, when some species of sharks may move closer to land to feed. However, keep in mind that sharks, especially tiger sharks, have been known to bite people at any time of day or night.

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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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Read the beach safety signs at the entrance to the beach. Once on the beach, look for beach warning flags, often posted on or near a lifeguard's stand. A green flag means water conditions are safe and other colors mean conditions are not safe. These flags are there to protect you.

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