Latest
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and South Baldwin County News
from Larry & Kathy Powell
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| ENJOY THE BEACH! Follow these tips to make sure you have fun in the sun. |
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PROTECT YOUR SKIN
Always wear a sunscreen appropriate for your skin type, paying special attention to face, nose, ears and shoulders. Most people don't realize how much sun they're getting until it's too late. Remember to protect your lips too.
CHILDREN NEED EXTRA PROTECTION
Liberally apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Make sure children wear sunhats and sunglasses. Re-apply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Even if you don't feel thirsty, your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
PROTECT YOUR EYES
Ultra-violet (UV) rays can damage your eyes. Don't forget your sunglasses.
BEWARE OF HEAT STROKE
Watch for hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. If someone shows symptoms, call 911. Keep the victim lying down and cool the body by placing ice packs or cold packs on wrists, ankles, armpits and neck. Wet towels may also be used.
JELLYFISH RELIEF
Use saltwater to wash the sting. Apply rubbing alcohol or vinegar to the sting area. If the victim experiences difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.
SUNBURN RELIEF
Drink lots of water. Soak in a cool bath or apply cold compresses several times a day. Do not apply petroleum jelly or oil-based lotions. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may help relieve pain and swelling.
Brought to you by the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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| BE A SAFE SWIMMER! Look for Red Flags |
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Swimming in the Gulf is much different than in a swimming pool. It is important to respect the strength of the sea and the marine life that lives there.
Never swim alone. Always stay in groups. Don't wander too far from shore.
Stay within designated swimming areas. Don't swim near piers, pilings and platforms. Exercise caution when swimming in areas between sandbars or near steep dropoffs.
Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present. Diving seabirds are good indicators of areas to avoid.
Alcohol and swimming do not mix.
Use extra caution when water is murky. Avoid being in the water during dusk, night time or twilight hours.
Avoid wearing shiny jewelry and clothing.
Stay informed of local weather and beach conditions.
Beware of rip currents and undertow. These are turbulent, fast-flowing currents that pull swimmers into deep water and away from the beach. They typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers.
If caught in a strong current, remain calm. Fighting the current can exhaust you. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. When free of the current, swim at an angle - away from the current - toward shore.
If unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward the shore.
If you feel unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, call or wave for help.
Brought to you by the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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Habitat is a combination of environmental factors that provides food, water, cover and space that a living thing needs to survive and reproduce. Habitat types include: coastal and estuarine, rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, wetlands, riparian areas, deserts, grasslands/prairie, forests, coral reefs, marine, perennial snow and ice, and urban.
Destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat is the driving force behind today's decline in species and biodiversity. Impacts to habitat can be caused directly by such activities as the clearing of forests to grow crops or build homes, or indirectly, for example, by the introduction of invasive species or increased pollution run-off from yards and fields. It is the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
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