Beach Hazards
Currents
Wave and Wind Energy determine the direction of Long Shore Current. Look for the Long Shore Current by the angle of the waves coming into shore, by the foam, swimmers and surfers flowing parallel to shore with the Long Shore current.
Rip currents are narrow, river-like, currents that have been fed by the long shore current and sets of waves. You can easily spot a rip current by its foamy and choppy surface. The water in a rip current can be dirty brown from sand being turned up as it moves rapidly out to sea. Most rip currents in Texas occur near a pier or rock jetty! The rip current digs a trough in the ocean floor. As a result, waves do not usually break where there is a rip. If you are caught in a rip current – do not panic.
Stay Calm! The rip current will not pull you under. Call or wave for assistance or swim parallel to shore with the long shore current until you are out of the rip, then swim directly towards shore.
If you see someone caught in a rip or in distress, do not go in after them! Throw something that floats or extend a reaching object. If you cannot overhand stroke for at least 15 minutes, you should not take risks in the ocean. Stay in knee to waist deep water at all times.
Never underestimate the power of the ocean.
For more information, visit the NOAA site or see the USLA Rip Currents Page.
Video Information on Dealing with Rip Currents
Sand Bars, Troughs, and Holes
Hidden deep spots in the surf are hazardous – especially for small children. Waves are powerful and dig holes in the bottom near shore that may be several yards wide. They can form at any water depth, so you may step into one while wading in very shallow water.
When you visit the beach, you may see swimmers standing in waist-seep water far offshore. What you don’t see is how deep the water is between the beach and the sand bar area they are on.
The natural processes of the Gulf create a series of bars and troughs in the nearshore areas of coastal Texas. The height of the bar and the depth of the trough vary, but the water in the trough is sometimes “over your head”. Unless you swim very well, do not try to reach the sand bar offshore.
Effects of Heat & Sun
Protect yourself against sunburn. You can become sunburned even on cloudy or overcasts days.
Ultraviolet rays are harmful to the skin, regardless of the color of that skin. You should wear a high SPF sunscreen (15 or higher); wear loose fitting light colored clothing, hat & sunglasses. Also, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine free liquid to prevent dehydration.
Stings, Bites, and Cuts
Stinging jellyfish abound the Gulf waters and randomly sting whatever they touch. The most dangerous stinging jelly is the Portuguese man-o-war, a community of animals called zooids. This most obvious zooid is a purple float with its tentacles dangling in the water. Lifting the tentacle from the skin and dousing the area with vinegar brings relief. A paste of meat tenderizer and vinegar applied to the stings will counteract the toxin. Do not rub the area with sand – this will only ensure that all the stinging cells fire. And remember just because the man-o-war or jellyfish is washed up on the beach does not mean that you are safe. The tentacles can still sting. Avoid stomping them or smacking them with a stick.
Stingrays frequent shallow Gulf waters and can thrust a sharp shaft into an offending foot or ankle when stepped on. This shaft, located at the base of the stingray’s tail must be handled carefully, usually surgically, because the spines point backward and prevent easy removal. One good preventive action is to shuffle your feet while wading. When disturbed, the stingray will move away.
Swimmers, particularly children are advised to wear some type of footgear when in the Gulf or on the beach. Broken glass and sharp shell remnants are everywhere, and children often fail to watch where they are going. Remember there is a high concentration of bacteria on objects in the water and near the beach. Clean even minor wounds well and monitor for signs of infection.
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