Many people visit the national seashore to swim in the ocean and enjoy the pristine beaches. One of the most important things to learn before visiting the park is how to swim safely.
Visit the Swimming page for information on swimming safety. Among other things, the swimming page shows how you can identify and escape rip currents.
Dangerous Sea Life
Jellyfish Most jellyfish found on our beaches are harmless to humans, but people who are allergic to bee or ant stings should exercise extreme caution. Occasionally, winds can wash Portuguese Man-o-wars ashore. Although these are not technically jellyfish, their stings are very painful and potentially dangerous.
Even after the animal is dead, its tentacles can sting. Never touch a jellyfish on the beach. Walk around the jellyfish on the dune side to avoid tentacles between the jellyfish and the water.
Tentacles should be removed from a sting with a towel, credit card, or another item, but never with bear hands. If the area of the sting is large or if the victim shows signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Stingrays The sharp spine at the base of the stingray's tail can deliver a painful wound. Most stings occur when people step on the rays. To avoid this, you should shuffle your feet as you walk in the water.
Stingray wounds should be washed and cleaned. If possible, soak the are in water as hot as can be tolerated for 30 to 90 minutes. Seek medial attention as soon as possible.
Sharks Most people can swim in the ocean their entire lives without ever seeing a shark. To avoid meeting a shark: swim in a group; stay close to shore; don't swim at night, dusk, or dawn; don't wear jewelry or other reflective items; and use caution when swimming in inlets, steep drop-offs, the area between sandbars, and other places with concentrated numbers of fish.