Let’s all ‘Be Prepared!!’

The bites shown were caused by larvae of the sea anemone. These occur in salt water off coastal regions. Sea lice usually attach themselves to fish but clearly can bite humans. The above photograph is that of a young woman snorkeling off the coast of Mexico. The history she gives is extremely typical of sea lice. Shortly after snorkeling, she felt a sudden burning sensation underneath both breasts and felt a stinging sensation. No rash was evident until she returned home 2 days later. The typical eruptions are almost always under the bathing suit and appear as Sea Lice Closeuppapules or papulovesicles. These lesions can persist for 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment in the Outdoors If one suspect sea lice bites after surfing, diving or snorkeling, hydrogen peroxide or a quick soap and water scrub would be helpful. One must watch for a secondary skin infection. Healthcare Provider -Medical Treatment: Without treatment, these lesions usually disappear in 1 to 2 weeks. However, most patients would appreciate getting rid of this as soon as possible. Topical or systemic corticosteroids provide relief and topical antibiotic ointment may be beneficial to impede secondary infection.

Lesson on safety.  Buttons one of the perennial top No. Shore, HI, surfers and local heavy cut open by a surfboard fin – 10 stiches on left eyelid.  Was lucky.  Could have lost an eye.
ALWAYS!  Protect head and eye by crossing your arms over your head and face in the event of a collision or wipeout.

Braddah Buttons said first thing he’ll do is go back out and “charge” those No. Shore waves, again!!

I was there when this happened and living at Rock Pile. Remember it well. Everyone was freaked out. Also right around that time there was another tiger shark attack on the other side of Lani’s. Right by Jocko’s and Chun’s. That boogie boarder never made it.
They had shark hunts. Bunch of sharks got nailed then the attacks stopped. They took the dorsal fin and tacked up to the telephone poll as you enter beach area. Was there for many years but gone now.

Rip Current Myth

A rip current is a horizontal current. Rip currents do not pull people under the water–-they pull people away from shore. Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills.

In some regions rip currents are referred to by other, incorrect terms such as rip tides and undertow. We encourage exclusive use of the correct term – rip currents. Use of other terms may confuse people and negatively impact public education efforts.

Why Rip Currents are Dangerous

Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured–this is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint! Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
 
Over 100 drownings due to rip currents occur every year in the United States. More than 80% of water rescues on surf beaches are due to rip currents.

Rip currents can occur at any surf beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes.