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To Inform Florida's Citizens and Visitors about beaches

Florida's Safe Beaches

Florida Has the Best Beaches in the World

The Sunshine State has more than 8,426 miles of tidal shoreline, second only to Alaska. Sandy beaches account for over 1,350 miles of Florida coastline. From its Emerald Coast, with sugar-white beaches and rolling sand dunes, to the shell-lined sands along Sanibel Island, Florida’s beaches rein supreme. These sensational shores not only appeal to the eye, but also make huge splashes for beach goers, young and old. So wherever you are in Florida, remember you’re never more than 60 miles from the beach.  Read more ...

Making Memories, Staying Safe

Swimmers in the ocean have entered an amazing habitat filled with wildlife. Every time you swim at Florida beaches, you are a visitor in this ocean world. We are wise to understand our undersea “neighbors”. To make sure your beach experience is enjoyable, here is a snapshot of what it takes to stay safe.  Read more ...

Safe Swimming

Swimming, one of the most popular activities in the country, is a fun, active, and healthy way to spend leisure time. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) encourages all parents and child care givers to be careful in their everyday responsibilities including swimming.  Read more ...
 
Web sites for more information on Safe Swimming include:
 

• CDC Healthy Swimming website • Florida Rip Currents • NOAA Rip Current Information • Tips for Safe Swimming

Healthy Beaches: Water Quality

 

The water at most beaches is safe for swimming, most of the time.  The Healthy Beaches Program at FDOH monitors water quality at beaches in 34 coastal Florida counties every week.  Read more ...

Web sites for more information about beach water quality include:
 

• DOH Water Programs • EPA Beaches Programs • Fl. Dept. of Environmental Protection Coastal Management Program • Florida Surfrider Foundation

 

Florida Red Tides

Nature is alive and abundant both on the beach and in the ocean waters.  Algae that makes up red tide live naturally in waters across the world. When a bloom occurs, it can be irritating to some people. These happen throughout the world.

In Florida, red tide is caused by microscopic algae. The organism produces a chemical that can affect fish, birds, mammals and other animals. Some sensitive people may also experience throat irritation and coughing while visiting beaches during a Florida red tide outbreak.  Read more ...

Web sites for more information about Florida Red Tide include:

• FDOH Aquatic Toxins Program • Florida FWC Research Institute • Mote Marine Laboratory • Solutions to Avoid Red Tide Organization

Other Marine Life

Florida's water environment is a major draw for visitors. Florida’s oceans are also home to many creatures. Most are very harmless but some have the ability to sting and bite. It is important to recognize these animals and avoid contact. Sensitive individuals can experience serious conditions. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about these marine creatures include:

• Florida Poison Information Center • North Broward County Hospital • Health Bank Information

Sharks

Florida’s beaches are sunny and beautiful places to linger. It’s important for beach goers to remember though, that the ocean is a natural environment; home to many creatures including sharks. Sharks are a natural part of the aquatic ecosystem in coastal Florida. Every year, while millions of residents and visitors enjoy Florida’s beaches, shark attack incidents are extremely rare, with less than one fatality a year on average in Florida. . In most cases, they are a result of mistaken identity. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about Florida sharks include:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission • Mote Marine Laboratory • University of Florida

Alligators in Florida

Alligators are an important part of Florida's heritage and play an important role in the ecology of our state's wetlands. A better understanding of these facts and a broader knowledge of alligator behavior will help ensure that humans and alligators can continue to coexist. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about alligators include:

• Living with Alligators • Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Gator Facts

Tanning and Skin Protection

Almost everyone on the beach can relate to the “feel-good experience” of sun bathing. However, getting too much sun can result in unpleasant sunburn. Florida Department of Health (FDOH) urges citizens and visitors in Florida to protect against sunburn caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays and practice smart tanning procedures. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about Sun Protection include:

• FDOH Tanning Program • CDC "Choose Your Cover" Program • Go Florida "Beach Packing Tips"

Beat the Heat

Florida’s year round warm temperature draws visitors from around the US and the world. However, Florida's climate, especially in the summer months can be hot and humid. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about ways to keep cool include:

• Florida Heat Wave • CDC Extreme Heat Information • American Red Cross

Bothersome Insects

Being outdoors in Florida is a natural and very popular past time. Warm breezes, sunny days and tropical nights are irresistible to our visitors. While enjoying the outdoors, recognize that there maybe insects sharing your space. These include mosquitoes, ticks, and Africanized honey bees. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about bothersome insects include:

• DOH Arbovirus Program • CDC Insect Information • Florida Department of Agriculture • Florida Department of Agriculture African Honey Bee Information

Fresh Florida Seafood: Eat Healthy, Eat Smart

Eating Fish: DOH, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) work together to make sure fish from Florida waters are safe to eat. When necessary, consumption advisories are issued. Read more ...

Web sites for more information about seafood include:

• DOH Fish Brochure • DOH Food and Waterborne Disease Program • Fish Advisories • CDC • Florida Department of Agriculture Shellfish Program • FFWCC • EPA Fish Advice • Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference