HELIOS BLOGS

• Swim near a lifeguard
  
• Learn to swim


• Never swim alone


• Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present


• Don't rely on floation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water


• If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull


• Alcohol and swimming don't mix


• Protect your head, neck, and spine -- don't dive into unfamiliar waters -- feet first, first time


• If you are in trouble, call or wave for help


• Follow regulations and lifeguard directions


• Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances


• Scuba dive only if trained and certified -- and within the limits of your training


• No glass containers at the beach -- broken glass and bare feet don't mix


• No beach fires except in designated areas -- fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet -- use a barbeque that is elevated off the sand


• Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management personnel

Bathing Suit History

Originally bathing suits covered EVERYTHING. White skin untouched by the sun was considered all the rage. No doubt this made swimming difficult at best. Imagine what the wearers of these "bathing suits" would think if they visited Englewood Beach today!

Looks like rain for the weekend, and while that's not great for beach activities, it will lower the risk of fires that the county is experiencing.

This weekend will be a good time to check out the latest movies at the cinema, dine out, shop or visit any of the many local museums found in Sarasota, Tampa or Fort Myers.

New Fishing Regulations take affect

The new regulations require the use of circle hooks, venting tools and dehooking devices for anglers pursuing reef fish while using any live or dead natural bait. Circle hooks are being mandated because they are less likely than j-hooks to deeply hook most fish. Venting tools are mandated because fish caught in deep water sometimes swell up when brought to the surface and are unable to return to the depths unless deflated. Dehooking tools are being required because it is thought that such tools allow for fish to be more efficiently released with less handling, therefore increasing survival rates. The federal regulations can be viewed at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/. Florida's version can be viewed at http://myfwc.com/marine/GearRules/index.htm.

Alligator Safety

If you are thinking about any activity that takes you near fresh water such as rivers, ponds, lakes or canals, you should really educate yourself about Alligator safety.

Alligators are predators, and can grow up to 14 feet long and 1,000 pounds. Because of their large size, problems between alligators and humans can arise. Between 1948 and 2004, the FWC has documented 242 unprovoked alligator attacks on humans, of which 15 were fatal.

The danger of being injured by a provoked alligator is much higher than by an unprovoked one so your primary means of defense is to leave alligators alone. Though not intentional, throwing scraps in the water at fish camps and boat ramps is still feeding alligators so make sure to always dispose of your fish scraps in a garbage can.

Alligators are more active at night or at dawn or dusk. At these times they are more likely to be feeding than during the heat of midday. It is therefore safer to swim or fish only during the day. Additionally, Alligators are most active during the summer months. Since this is the time of year when people are also likely to be in the water, areas known to contain alligators should be avoided.

Never allow pets or small children to be near the water where there are known to be alligators as they could be mistaken for prey.

If you should be bitten by an alligator, seek medical attention immediately as the environment where they live tends to be high in bacteria.

Attacks are VERY rare in general and by using common sense and following guidelines, you can easily stay safe.

It is Mother's Day this wekeend - take mom out for lunch at the Lock and Key or any of the other local restaurants on the key - we're sure she'll love it!