If you’ve ever had the urge to go to the beach, then there are a number of things you should know before you do it. Some of the things you’ll need to keep in mind include how to be safe, what to avoid, and what to do in case you get a sting or have an accident.
HGTV’s Battle on the Beach
Battle on the Beach is a new reality television series that features house flippers competing for a $50,000 prize. The competition involves three teams of amateur home renovation experts, each working to renovate a 1,500-square-foot beachfront property in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Each of the teams has to renovate a house to increase the value of the property. Each team is led by a celebrity mentor. They also must complete weekly renovation challenges in order to earn points toward winning the grand prize.
Each of the teams has a specific vision for the project. For example, one team was led by a designer. Another team was led by a contractor. And another team was led by a father and son. Throughout the course of the show, the teams will be judged by a panel of experts.
Daydreaming
For a lot of us, daydreaming about going to the beach has got to be about as close as we can get to paradise. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a welcome respite, and there’s nothing quite like a good book and some good old fashion beach time. The best part about the modern-day vacation is the plethora of boutique hotels and beach bungalows that abound. Fortunately, they’re all managed by Carolina One Vacation Rentals, the folks who know a thing or two about getting the most out of your stay. Among other amenities, they offer free Wi-Fi and 24-hour on-call maintenance. This is especially true during the peak summer months.
Seal pups
The arrival of seal pups on the beach has drawn the attention of wildlife experts. They urge visitors not to interfere with these wild animals.
Seals are small, weak creatures, and their survival depends on their ability to gain the correct fur and nutrition. If they are starved, they will need help. This is especially true for baby seals.
These animals can become stranded on the beach during the summer, and will often need to be brought to a marine sanctuary. A well-meaning visitor may be tempted to pull them out of the ocean. However, such a move drastically reduces their chances of survival.
Jellyfish stings
Jellyfish stings are a common occurrence in oceans. They can cause serious pain and systemic reactions, so it’s important to know how to treat them.
Some experts recommend removing any tentacles from your skin using tweezers. This will help to relieve the sting. Other experts recommend bandaging the wound and applying antibiotic ointment.
For a faster recovery, you can apply an ice pack. This should be applied for 15 minutes, with a cloth between it and your skin.
It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing. A stinger suit can provide extra protection from box jellies and other dangerous species.
In the case of a severe sting, you should seek medical help. Your doctor may be able to collect a sample of the stinger to determine the best treatment.
Shark attacks
Shark attacks on the beach are a rare occurrence, but they aren’t the only risk involved with water activities. In fact, the risk of dying in a lightning storm is higher than the risk of being killed by a shark.
Several people died in unprovoked shark attacks in the U.S. last year alone. And this doesn’t even include the many shark attacks that have taken place in other parts of the world.
The first shark attack to occur near the shore in Seychelles occurred nearly 40 years ago. At the time, the island was considered to be one of the safest places on the planet. But now the Seychelles tourism board is studying shark attacks.
Sea level rise
Coastal habitats are threatened by sea level rise. This means that the coast will be reshaped and flooded more frequently, making life more difficult.
Several studies have shown that sea levels have risen at a rate of about 5 mm per year since the early twentieth century. As of 2016, the global mean water level is 3.7 inches above its 1993 level. However, some regions will see a higher rate of sea level rise, while other areas are expected to have a much lower rate.
In the United States, many parts of the coastline are expected to have a higher rate of sea level rise than the global average. These include beaches and barrier islands.