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Vacation Safety: What lies beneath...

By Megan Roth

Dun-uh. Dun-un. Dun-uh. Okay – maybe this isn't working so well…I'm trying to convey the well-known musical notes from Jaws (I think the fact that I'm musically challenged is coming into play here…) This might work better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvCI-gNK_y4

Regardless, the point was to bring to mind the gruesome shark attacks that are central to the Blockbuster. With college students around the country traveling to beach destinations these next couple weeks, we should be wondering: is this really a risk that needs to be considered?

Considering the fact that only 108 shark attacks have been documented along the Pacific Coast in the last century, I'm inclined to say 'probably not.' However, reading further I realized that this is the West Coast alone; in addition, (between 1926 and 2007) there were 577 attacks in Florida and 113 in Hawaii.

Wow – adding them all together makes up for a lot more than 108. In fact, the number of shark attacks in the United States comprises approximately two-thirds of the attacks that occur worldwide.

Fortunately such attacks were on a reported decline in 2008 (when they marked a five-year low); however, such attacks are still a factor to be considered – especially around the Florida coast, which is generally highly populated with sharks.

The area is also highly populated with jellyfish and stingrays, which can range from harmless to downright deadly.

As with sharks, these creatures aren't restricted to just one area; in fact, far from it. There are large jellyfish populations around the globe, so our Spring break beachgoers are bound to see a few (regardless of where they travel).

Seeing them is okay – it's coming in contact with them that has proven problematic (as they can inflict great pain and even death amongst their victims). Though we can't necessarily avoid them (as they have free reign of the waters), swimmers should pay close attention when splishin' and a'splashin' – especially when you consider the fact swimmers in the Caribbean have a twenty-five percent chance of being stung (between the months of March and September).

However, despite the likelihood of sustaining a sting, Jellyfish generally are not looking to sting someone (nor are stingrays); rather, they do it as a means of protection. Thus, it's important that you pay attention and try not to get too close.

I know, I know: this isn't what you want as your focal point when you're sunning it on the beach (it wouldn't be mine either); and while I wouldn't let it consume me, I also wouldn't push it to the wayside.

In the event that an attack of any sort does occur, act accordingly. Contact the hotel/resort staff to let them know an attack occurred and seek immediate treatment from a hospital or clinic.

Also, keep a detailed account of the incident and records of all personnel dealt with (as you never know what you'll need later should any sort of legal or insurance issues come into play).

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on March 12, 2009 (boomark / email).