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Archive for the ‘Beach Safety Tips’ Category

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Escape “The Grip of the Rip”

Posted by Jody on May 21, 2013

Rip Currents – Break the Grip of the Rip!

Rip Current Safety

Rip Current Safety Sign Posted on Lifeguard Tower

     If Caught in a Rip Current

  • Don’t fight the current

  • Swim out of the current, then to shore

  • If you can’t escape, float or tread water

  • If you need help, call or wave for assistance

~~~

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents are the #1 safety threat at beaches.

Rip currents can be really hard to spot, so exercise caution if you see the following:

  1. a channel of churning, choppy water;
  2. an area with a noticeable difference in color;
  3. a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily out to sea;
  4. and/or a break in the incoming wave pattern.

If you get caught in one:

  1. Stay calm, don’t fight the current.
  2. Swim sideways out of the current and parellel to the shore, then at an angle back to the shore.

If you can’t escape it:

  1. Float or calmly tread water. The rip current will eventually fade.
  2. Try to face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.

If you see someone caught in one, DO NOT try to rescue them yourself, instead:

  1. Get a lifeguard or call 911.
  2. Yell instructions.
  3. And if possible, throw a life preserver or floatation device.

These things may help you save a life.

The ocean can be a source of fun and excitement, but you should always be careful of hazards that exist. Only swim at lifeguard protected beaches. Before your next trip to the beach, know how to spot a rip current and how to break the grip of the rip.

Source: Ocean Today (NOAA)

Lifeguard Tower Posted with Safety Signs

Lifeguard Tower with Posted Rip Current Safety Signs

Please take a look at these very helpful links:

“Don’t get sucked in by the rip…” Rip Current Science and Safety Video: Australia

The Grip of the Rip – NOAA Video

United States Lifesaving Association Rip Current Survival Guide

How Rip Currents Form

Have a safe day at the beach!

This week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge topic is Escape.

~~~

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Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Wine (& Grapes) for Sun Protection

Posted by Jody on May 6, 2013

Some of us take sun protection more seriously than others.  I’m one of those people.  Not that I used to be.  Growing up in the Midwest, we reveled in our first sunburn.  A little Noxzema or Solarcaine on our tortured backs and we were on our way back to summer fun at the beach!  (At that point we might have covered up, in the water, with one of Dad’s white t-shirts. But only until that first burn healed.)  The words “sun protection” weren’t even in our vocabulary.  I remember the days when teenagers stretched out in the blazing sun, basting themselves with a concoction of Mercurochrome mixed with baby oil, for that *oh so attractive* orange summer glow. Yikes!! What we didn’t know then! (Seriously, we thought we knew it all!)

Well, now in an article from The Telegraph, a UK publication, we’re told: “Drinking wine could help to stop sunburn”.

According to Spanish scientists and published in the  Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, The Telegraph reports that:

Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun are the leading environmental cause of skin complaints, premature aging, sun burn and skin cancer. Spanish scientists found evidence suggesting that substances in grapes protect cells from the damage.

Drinking wine or eating grapes could protect you from sunburn, according to a  new study that found a chemical in the fruit can limit cell damage.

Rockaway Beach, New York (©Jody Diehl)

Maybe we modern beachcombers needed one more push to follow the healthy Mediterranean diet that we keep hearing about. Perhaps we just want our beach going skin to stay young and healthy looking.  Well, now besides being the beachcombers wearing our super sunblock, long sleeve cover-ups, floppy hats and sunglasses, we’ll also be the ones with the Ariel Cabernet Sauvignonin our picnic basket!

Enjoy the article, and please pass the grapes!

Link: The Telegraph, “Chemicals in wine could be used to protect skin from the sun”

~~~

Posted in Beach Safety Tips | Tagged: , , , , | 9 Comments »

Simple Seaside Safety Suggestions for Spot

Posted by Jody on April 29, 2013

Quintana Beach County Park

Quintana Beach County Park

My family and I recently enjoyed another lovely day trip to Quintana Beach County Park, one of our absolute favorite Texas coastal recreation areas. This 51-acre natural beachfront playground  is the ultimate dog-friendly family choice in the Lone Star State. Located in Freeport, Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a wonderfully scenic and a relatively quick (1 ½ hour) drive south of Houston. Quintana Beach County Park is a much more laid back alternative to the city and beaches of Galveston, which have all of the hustle and bustle you would expect from a typical seaside tourist mecca.

Quintana Beach County Park on the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas

Quintana Beach County Park on the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas

You can feel free to bring Spot along for your day at the beach. At Quintana Beach County Park our tail-wagging companions are welcome.

“Pet Safety on the Beach” as posted at Quintana Beach County Park:

  • If the sand is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
  • Keep fresh water available for your dog, drinking salt water will make him sick.
  • Use pet-friendly sunscreen on short hair, ears and nose.
  • Provide shade for your dog to rest.

~All very good safety tips~ Please remember that pets need to be restrained (at this beach) at all times and, of course, picking up after Spot is a must!

Quintana Beach County Park, Texas

Quintana Beach County Park, Texas

A while back we published a post on the many reasons to visit this lovely beach park: Quintana Beach County Park on the Texas Gulf Coast – So Many Reasons to Visit. The list includes camp sites (tents, RVs, and vacation cabins), picnic tables, modern restrooms and showers, kayaking, surfing, beachcombing, fishing… and the list goes on.  Being dog-friendly simply adds one more great reason for families to plan the perfect fun-filled trip to Quintana Beach County Park!

Do you have a favorite dog-friendly beach? Please share it with us. We’d love to know!

Here are a few more helpful links:

Quintana Beach County Park

Cesar’s Tips for Your Dog’s Day at the Beach

Doggie Heaven! Muir Beach, California

Have a great day at the beach!

~~~

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Gulf of Mexico Beaches, Monday Miscellaneous | Tagged: , , , , , | 6 Comments »

A Halloween Tale: Beware the Excirolana kincaidi!

Posted by Jody on October 31, 2012

 The Creepy Crawlies of Whaleshead Beach, Oregon

Whaleshead Beach. Oregon

You may have noticed that when our family travels, we frequently photograph beach signs. We actually read them, too!  Other beach goers will often pass us by as we stand there at the sandy entrance, perusing the notice packed signboards. Our guess is that a rather large percentage of people don’t pay much attention to these particular seaside information centers.

This way to Whaleshead Beach!

When Greg and I headed down the path to Whaleshead Beach, we couldn’t wait to see the view unfold. There it was: a magnificent rock jutting from the sun-drenched sea, looking just like a colossal breaching whale. It was a gorgeous sight!

Beautiful Whaleshead Beach, Oregon

Then we saw it: An 8 ½ x 11” piece of paper encased in plastic, attached to the official wooden signboard, that sent chills up our spines.  Excirolana kincaidi ?!

The Creepy Crawlies of Whaleshead Beach, Oregon: Sand beach isopod (Excirolana Kincaidi)

“These isopods alternately bury themselves in the sand and actively forage for dead animal matter.  They seem to be especially active in the shallow swash of retreating waves on sandy beaches.  Large numbers may quickly congregate around an animal carcass that washes in on a sandy beach while it is still in the water, and quickly strip the carcass of flesh.  This is the most common Excirolana species along the Washington coast.  Predators include sanderlings.”

Greg found the original of this posting at a Wallawalla.edu. There you’ll see much more information and additional technical specifics about these little flesh eaters of the Pacific Northwest sands, including pictures far more frightening than this one. The section that is highlighted in yellow on the sign is prominent in the university’s write up:

“Note:  Very few crustaceans will actually bite you but this nasty little creature is definitely one of them.  Barefoot waders in an area with Excirolana will find that the animals quickly swim toward and swarm over bare feet, biting them so hard that blood will be flowing within moments.  Since the animals are so small the bites are tiny but painful like a pin prick, and the animals are often present in swarms of thousands.  Rapidly shuffling the feet reduces but does not eliminate the number of bites.”

Although they seem a useful creature in keeping the beaches clean and sanitary (nature provides for all things), there seems to also be an undesirable side effect to having them around.  This note certainly killed any idea we had of heading to the water’s edge, even on the most beautiful, toasty October day!

Wouldn’t these little beasts be perfect for an Alfred Hitchcock movie? Move over, birds!

*A tag-team post by Greg and Jody*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted in Beach and Coastal Wildlife, Beach Safety Tips, Pacific Coast Beaches | Tagged: , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

Serenity, Sand and (yes) Sharks of Stinson Beach, Northern California

Posted by Jody on September 25, 2012

Stinson Beach, Northern California

I’ve seen Stinson Beach, California on many a “Best Shelling Beaches” list. Truth be told, though, I’ve never found a take-home seashell or sand dollar on this beautiful stretch of Northern California coastline.  No kidding!

Peaceful Stinson Beach on a gorgeous winter’s day.

Greg and I don’t go to Stinson Beach for its renowned (rumored?) beachcombing. We love heading to this beautiful beach for the quiet serenity of a long winter’s walk on a seemingly endless shoreline. I’m not sure if we’ve ever even been to Stinson Beach during the summer months, and that’s OK. Although there are lifeguard towers evident on the beach, with an average summer water temperature of 58°F, year-round rip current warnings and a shark attack history, we never plan to do much more than get some sand between our toes!

Left side of Stinson Beach safety sign

Right side of Stinson Beach safety sign

Even though this very thorough warning sign is posted prominently at the entrance to the beach, the Golden Gate National Recreation Site page states: “Swimming is only recommended from late May to mid-September when lifeguards are on duty.” All righty then…

The following Q & A comes from a wonderful White Shark Information webpage supported by the California Department of Fish and Game. In it you can find answers to many questions about white sharks (aka: great white sharks, or if you’re a surfer: the men in the grey suits).  The site covers everything from what white sharks typically eat to how to tell white sharks from other species of sharks and their role in the marine ecosystem. It’s definitely worth a look!

Q: How can people avoid white shark attacks?

There is only one foolproof method for avoiding a white shark attack: stay out of the ocean. If this is not an option, try to avoid places known for white sharks, such as the Farallon Islands, Ao Nuevo, and Bird Rock near Point Reyes. Another suggestion is to avoid swimming in areas where marine mammals are congregating. Don’t swim in or near areas frequented by sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals, etc. or near their rookeries.

Wearing a wetsuit and fins, or lying on a surfboard, creates the silhouette of a seal from below. Shark attacks are often believed to be cases of mistaken identity, with surfing or swimming humans mistaken for seals or sea lions. Times of reduced sunlight, such as foggy mornings or dusk, are ideal times to be mistaken for a seal.

View of Stinson Beach, California from the Pacific Coast Highway

Stinson Beach is located about 20 twisty miles north of San Francisco. Open every day of the year, Stinson Beach has rest rooms and shower facilities, picnic areas, and BBQ grills. Whale-watching is big here January through March. A snack bar is open during summer months and kayak and boogie board rentals are also available then. Keep in mind that Fido is not allowed on the beach area maintained by the National Park Service, but is welcome (on leash) in the parking lot area, picnic grounds and on the county section of the beach known as Upton’s Beach.

“I am a nice shark, not a mindless eating machine. If I am to change this image, I must first change myself. Fish are friends, not food.” ~Bruce (Great White Shark),  Finding Nemo

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Northern California Beaches, Sharks, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: , , , , , | 10 Comments »

Making waves in Hawaii. ~Safely~

Posted by Jody on August 28, 2012

For most of us, a vacation to paradise comes with a healthy dose of excited anticipation and a whole bunch of advance planning.  We might chat with friends who have been to the islands, visit websites and read travel guides, all with the intention of getting the most out of our upcoming Hawaiian experience. Especially the beaches – of course! Still, many (if not the vast majority of) mainlanders arrive on the Hawaiian Islands completely unaware of the incredible power of  Hawaii’s waves (I must admit that I was one of those). The Hawaiian coastline and its impressive surf have unique characteristics that make prior knowledge invaluable.

One of my all-time favorite beach and safety websites is simply titled Hawaii Beach Safety. I haven’t seen a more comprehensive, easy to understand, user friendly beach focused website.  It is designed specifically to inform beachgoers and help prevent injury to eager, and often naive, visitors to the Aloha State.

North Shore Waves, Oahu, Hawaii

Here’s just a small portion of what you’ll find on the pages of Hawaii Beach Safety:

1. Minimize your risk.

If you are not familiar with the shoreline, do not visit unguarded beaches. Dangerous waves and currents do not happen randomly and most human involvement is a matter of choice, not chance. Many ocean-related accidents are caused by:

  • A lack of understanding that the shoreline can be dangerous;
  • A lack of caution

2. Learn the conditions.

Always talk to a lifeguard to determine the safety level of the ocean and shoreline. Find out about surf and wind conditions for the whole day. Find out about:

  • Strong currents and waves that surge up beaches
  • High surf
  • Waves that break directly on the shore (shore break) ,
  • Hidden rocks
  • Dangerous shore areas

SOAK

Before entering the water, remember to SOAK:

  • Study the conditions before entering the water.
  • Observe the activities of others in the ocean.
  • Ask the lifeguards about current conditions.
  • Know your limits in the water.

3. Understand wave and current behavior.

Waves arrive in groups separated by lulls. Watch the ocean for several minutes before entering the water. A calm sea may change in an instant when a group of waves arrives. Don’t be fooled by the variability of the waves!

Waves make currents that can be dangerous. Rip currents in the surf zone can carry you out to sea. A wave rushing up a beach (wave surge) can knock you down and drag you into the ocean. Large waves on rocky shores can knock you into the ocean. Check to see if the rocks or sand you are walking on are dry; avoid wet areas. Remember that beach hazard ratings are only general guidelines. Distinctions between beach areas, ocean bottom, and the angle of incoming waves can cause large variations in safety. No matter what the beach hazard is, there are safe beach areas in Hawaii, learn about them.

read more…

The Hawaii Beach Safety site also provides education on rip currents, lists current beach conditions and alerts, offers weather information and supplies surf reports.

So go ahead and pack your new found knowledge along with sunscreen and that awesome new bathing suit you’ve been dying to show off, and enjoy a fun and worry-free vacation in paradise! ~Aloha~
Visit Hawaii Beach Safety for lifeguard sponsored hazard conditions for Hawaii beaches

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Beaches of The Hawaiian Islands, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: , , , , | 3 Comments »

“How’s the water?”

Posted by Jody on August 14, 2012

How often is your cherished shoreline monitored for dangerous bacteria?  Do you know how to find out the results of your beach’s latest water quality testing? Does your favorite stretch of coast suffer from water quality advisories and beach closures?

Beach water quality is often a concern for beach going vacationers and locals, alike. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, “Most beach closings are issued because beachwater monitoring detects unsafe levels of bacteria. These unsafe levels indicate the presence of pathogens—microscopic organisms from human and animal waste that pose a threat to human health. The key reported contributors of these contaminants are (1) stormwater runoff, (2) sewage overflows and inadequately treated sewage, (3) agricultural runoff, and (4) other sources, such as beachgoers themselves, wildlife, septic systems, and boating waste.”

Ask the lifeguard about beach safety issues.

Here are a few pointers you can use for your own peace of mind, along with your family’s health and well being, on your next outing to the lakeside or seashore:

1) Ask a lifeguard

It’s always a great idea to check with a lifeguard when you reach the beach.  They can give you the most up-to-date information on current surf conditions, safety issues and beach water quality.  Lifeguards are knowledgeable and helpful resources.

Lifeguard stand displaying yellow beach warning flag. Galveston Island, Texas

2) Check for the flag warning system

Larger beaches and beach districts have flag warning systems in place.  Look for the colored flags flying on the beach and at the lifeguard stations. Beach warning flag systems are not the same in all regions of the USA (and world). Uniformity can be found on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches.  Chicago, Illinois has a simple three flag method designated by the Chicago Park District.

Beach Flag Warning System, Galveston Island, Texas – Note that the orange triangular flag is used for water quality concerns on Galveston Island.

3) Look for beach advisory signs

Beach advisory signs are often located at beach entry points and at various points along the sands.  Look for them and heed their warnings.

Louisiana Gulf Coast Beach Water Quality Advisory Sign

4) Check online before you head to the beach

Checking online for beach water quality is pretty easy.  For instance, I just searched “Chicago beach water quality” and found the Chicago (Illinois) Park District Beach Report page.  This page reveals a daily water quality guide. Chicago’s Beach Report web page also gives phone numbers for access to the most up-to-the-minute advisories and information.

Here are a few more of the helpful beach water quality monitoring websites I found simply by searching for the area by “(name of beach)“  and “beach water quality”:

Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)  Coastal Alabama Beach Monitoring Program

County of San Diego (California) Department of Environmental Health  Beach and Bay

Tampa Bay (Florida) Water Atlas Florida Healthy Beaches Program

Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Coastal Resources Division)  Beach Swimming Advisories

New York City (New York) Area Beaches  Beach Quality and Safety

Oregon Health Authority Current Beach Conditions

Virginia Department of Health  Beach Monitoring

More helpful links:

The Natural Resources Defense Council site is packed with information that explains water quality concerns in detail, along with monitoring and testing facts. They have a five-star rating system highlighting 200 popular beaches across the United States.

United States Environmental Protection Agency Beach Monitoring and Notification page / Find your beach.

What do you think? Do you know of a helpful beach water quality monitoring site?  We’d appreciate it if you’d share your beach’s  info in the comment box below.

Have a safe and fun filled day at the beach!

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Sand and Shoreline, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

What’s the best way to treat a sunburn?

Posted by Jody on July 24, 2012

Sun protection at the beach

What’s the best way to treat a sunburn?

Good question!  Lucky for us, Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, has great answers. Here are his tips from the clinic’s online article: “Sunburn treatment: What works?” Be sure to check out the entire piece for more information, including when to consult a doctor for sunburn care.

  • Keep it cool. Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
  • Keep it moist. Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the affected skin. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin. Beware of sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine. There’s little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin. Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious, sometimes deadly, condition that decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Don’t use benzocaine in children younger than age 2 without supervision from a health care professional, as this age group has been the most affected. If you’re an adult, never use more than the recommended dose of benzocaine and consider talking with your doctor.
  • Leave blisters intact. If blisters form, don’t break them. You’ll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication — such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside. Don’t give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
  • Treat peeling skin gently.Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply your body’s way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream.

    Serious Sun Protection!

It’s so much easier (and less stressful) to prevent a sunburn than to have to treat one, whether the doctoring is for you or a loved one.

Web MD suggests the following easy steps to prevent sunburn:

  • Protect your skin from the sun.
  • Do not stay in the sun too long.
  • Use sunscreens, and wear clothing that covers your skin.

If you have any health risks that may increase the seriousness of sun exposure, you should avoid being in the sun from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

Check out both of these sites for more helpful information.  They are packed with very helpful advice for sunburn treatment.  Mayo Clinic: Sunburn, & Web MD: Sunburn – Topic Overview

Do you remember the days when the first sunburn of the season was a summer rite of passage? What was your home remedy for sunburn when you were a kid? Do you follow the current advice for sunburn prevention? Are those the two cutest kids ever?

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! with Don’t Fry Day

Posted by Jody on May 21, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer vacation season all across the United States. We Americans cheerfully mark the occasion with  family cookouts, super sidewalk sales, and the annual running of the Indianapolis 500. It’s the holiday when we begin heading for the beaches in droves looking like pack mules loaded down with coolers, kayaks, kids and kites!

Summer has Arrived! Rockaway Beach, New York City

The Friday before Memorial Day (this year it’s May 25th) is designated as “Don’t Fry Day” by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. In an all-out effort to encourage sun safety along with skin cancer awareness and prevention, their website has many, many varied and valuable resources for you and your loved ones. You’ll find everything from sun smart vacation packing tips to info on protecting your eyes from UV rays. Here you can print educational coloring pages for the tots and suggested activities for parents and educators of school-aged children. You can even download and print out posters and stickers with the slogan “Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!” as in: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a sun hat, and wrap on sunglasses.

Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! at the Amusement Park

The Slip!Slop!Slap! catchphrase was originally introduced by SunSmart in Victoria, Australia some 30 years ago. In the land down under it has since morphed into the catchy little ditty: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. (In this case, the “seek” means seek shade and the “slide” is for sliding on sunglasses.) Be sure to check out Sid the Seagull singing his rendition of the updated slogan, but please, don’t blame me if this memorable tune gets stuck in your head! I do believe that is the point!

The US EPA has an informative SunWise web page featuring educational resources and Don’t Fry Day activities for kids including crossword puzzles and the story of Joe-Larry, a magical exploring cat, who travels to a big lake, a farm, the desert, and South Africa, all the while making friends and learning about sun protection.

Even in the pool!

The idea of Don’t Fry Day was initiated by the Sun Safety for Kids organization in 2008. Their website also has lots of information and ideas for promoting sun safety. They offer numerous creative ways to introduce sun safety into the primary and secondary school curriculum.

Here are a few more great links for sun protection education, and skin cancer awareness information: SunSmart New Zeland, Melanoma Center, The American Cancer Society

Remember to Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! Or, if you prefer, Slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide! Either way, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend and a wonderful summer!

Comments? Suggestions? Tips? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment block below. Thanks!

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Monday Miscellaneous | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

“Where can I find sea glass?”

Posted by Jody on May 1, 2012

Collecting sea glass is such a fun hobby. Many an eager beachcomber has headed to the seashore in hopes of discovering the ideal piece of sea glass (also called beach glass). Finding that perfectly frosted, wave tumbled jewel can make the very best day at the beach even better!

Often times people will ask, “Where can I find sea glass on _(fill in the blank)_?” My answer goes something like this: “That’s a great question. In my experience, the best beaches for finding sea glass are near the more populated locales, especially around areas with bars. Party scene locations tend to produce more glass in the surrounding water. Check for low tides, too. You will most likely find more sea glass when the tide is out and the beach is lengthened. Have a wonderful time! Let us know what you find! ~Aloha”

Sea Glass, Surfside, Texas (©Jody Diehl)

A colorful assortment of surf tumbled sea glass is generally easier to find near beaches where the regulars hang out (as opposed to tourist packed strands). Why? I’m sorry to say, that’s where people often leave their empty bottles on the sand or toss them into the water. Let’s face it,  glass doesn’t naturally come from the sea, and you would be hard pressed to find a beach where glass containers aren’t prohibited.

We recently spent some time on the Texas Gulf Coast, southwest of Galveston. I have to admit that I have rarely seen such a selection of glass on the beach! Some of it was beautifully tumbled and worth bringing home, but so much of the glass looked newly broken by both tides and tires (cars are allowed on many of the Texas beaches which line the Gulf of Mexico). The adults in the group carefully picked up some of the sharper shards of glass and carried them to the nearby, oh-so-conveniently placed municipal trash cans (seriously, you couldn’t miss ‘em). But we had to warn the children not to pick up any beach glass because they weren’t old enough to discriminate between the sharper edged pieces and the more aged, smoothly polished beach treasures.

©Jody Diehl

Keep your shoes on! (©Jody Diehl)

There may have been a day, long ago, when beachgoers didn’t “know any different.” But in today’s world, we really do know better.  We at Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches are all for collecting sea glass!  It’s one of our favorite things to do at the shore. We do not, however, want to contribute to the sea glass treasure troves of future generations.  It’s true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but with sea glass, it takes a while to get from point A to point B, and in the meantime, it can pose a serious hazard to those of us who want to be barefoot on the beach with our little ones.

Wishing you many happy sea glass hunting days at the beach! Do you have a favorite sea glass collecting beach?

Tell us what you think!

Related link: North American Sea Glass Association

Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Sand and Shoreline, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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