Avoiding Dangerous Critters On Your Beach Holiday
If you and your family live far inland (it can happen to the nicest people!), then there’s a good bet that at some point, you will pack the brood up and motor out to the coast for a beach holiday.
Yes, a week of sun, sand, and swimming, it will be grand! You will enjoy the seaside life, but even paradise has its share of dangers, so there are some things you should be wary of, especially if you are new to the beach scene.
First off, before you go, make sure you and your family have proper health coverage, like the excellent insurance Hunter Valley offers. They can ensure you and your family are protected from any mishaps on the road and by the shore.
Now let’s take a look at the potential hazards of having so much fun! Today we will focus on encounters with cruel critters. There are plenty of dangerous creepy crawlies about the beach that you will need to be on alert for.
Mosquitoes –
These nasty little insects are a flying health hazard, known to carry life-threatening diseases. Be sure to mozzie-proof your holiday by keeping the screens closed on your accommodation’s windows from sundown to sunup, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing in the evenings, and applying mosquito repellent to your exposed areas. Don’t let her bite you!
Crocodiles –
I don’t want to tell you how many people get eaten by these beasties every year, so just be sure you aren’t one of them! If you see a “Do Not Swim, Crocodiles” sign, you had better do as it says! Sometimes there are no warning signs, so treat every river, lake, and ocean beach with utmost caution and only swim in areas designated safe. And whatever you do, never smile at a crocodile!
Sharks –
Not all sharks are dangerous, but enough are that we have got to be careful. Never swim in schools of fish that might attract predators or in murky water with low visibility where sharks can lurk unseen.
Blue-Ringed Octopus –
They’re pretty little fellows, but their bite is highly poisonous and can cause breathing difficulties and even death. Stay out of shallow tide pools and rock crevices where they like to hide.
Jellyfish –
There are a number of different species drifting about, running from relatively harmless to deadly. The best ways to prevent a painful or even life-threatening sting are to watch for warning signs (and obey them!), wear a full-body lycra wetsuit, and ask the lifeguard for local sightings before you enter the water.
If you do get stung, get help immediately from the lifeguards, pour vinegar on the sting (and I don’t care what you heard, do not urinate on it!), and go directly to the hospital if necessary.
Cone Snail
Do not simply get awed and mesmerized by the brilliant colors and patterns of these cone snails at the beach. They can harm you without question.
The cone snail attacks its victims by injecting a barbed dart coated with venom. They use these barbed darts to stop the mobility of their prey, like small fishes, snails, and other small aqueous creatures. You can consider it a beautiful beast and better stay away from them.
Sea Urchins
These red-colored objects may be beautiful to look at but not the friendliest in demeanor. You will often spot them in the shallow water along the beach. Do not touch or keep your feet on them!
Be watchful with them while you are busy merrily hopping, jumping, and splashing water on your friends. The stings may not be painful, but you may suffer from skin infection or related complications.
Hence better to spot these beautiful red objects while spending quality time amidst your friends at the beach.
Lionfish
Discussing the critters at sea without the Lionfish is null and void. These creatures are incredibly beautiful, minus the spines along the creatures’ lower region and pelvis. These strings can pierce through your flesh, causing intense pain and even perspirations.
The stings of the animals are so dangerous that they can even paralyze you. So it’s always better to be watchful while at play underwater.
Fireworms
Fireworms possess the magical quality of camouflaging them into coral. Hence an individual may easily be allured to go near them in utter temptation.
These fireworms may cause some discomfort to your skin if you move near them. The neurotoxins emitted by them may cause you burning sensations. Your body parts that come in contact with the fiery creatures can feel itchy. So it’s better to look for them and stay away for safety reasons.
The Moray Eel
The moray eel is a fin-less creature with a narrow head. They swallow their prey and use the second set of jaws to push it from the throat into the digestive system. These creatures feed on fish, and they crawl into coral reefs.
Try to make sure that you avoid water near the cliffs. Moreover, it’s smart not to mess with them.
You can also keep your arms above the level of your head to stop swelling. Yes, without a doubt, these yellow creatures are indeed dirty and dangerous. Hence avoid them as much as possible.
The Stingray
The bluish stingrays are square and flat in shape. They also possess two dorsal fins and a large tail. These stingrays are not aggressive in general, but they can sting a person with the help of the stinger located at the end of their tail. You will find them in all oceans.
While you walk into the waters, gently sweep your feet to track their presence. Always inspect the bottom of the sea and put your legs only if you feel safe enough.
If you are wounded by the stingray, clean the wounds. Inspect the wounded area properly to avoid infection.
Conclusion
The common link among all the marine creatures you mentioned above is that they are all harmful creatures. Hence it’s better to be aware of them while you enjoy your weekends with your friend at sea. Growing awareness of these harmful creatures can make you prepared against exigency. Awareness is always better than ignorance.
And as always, it’s a good idea to check what our helpful government has to say on the subject, sometimes they have some good ideas. Really! Have a great holiday, and stay safe!
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