Although spending your summer days in bodies of water like oceans, rivers, and lakes may seem harmless, it’s important to know that there are many dangers and risks that come along with it, like germs, harmful animals, and rough waters.
According to cdc.gov, germs found in the water are frequently caused by animal feces, which is brought in from heavy rain that carries these germs into swim environments. Common risks include stomach bugs, digestive problems and illnesses in lung, brain, eyes, and skin. It’s important to keep these risks in mind when going to swim areas after hurricanes and even heavy rain. In order to avoid these germs, people can refrain from swallowing the water, showering thoroughly before and after swimming, and steering clear from swimming after rain, or if a discharge pipe has been spotted.
Despite the fun aspects of the waters, marine life can bring many dangers to human life. Animals like jellyfish, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles are often a threat to anyone in the water.
Surfer Alexa McManus states, “ I enjoy surfing in the ocean; however, the risks that come with it are drowning, rip currents, sharks, and getting hit by fellow surfers.”
According to Qurora.com, every year 50,000 people die worldwide due to marine life. In 2023, 949 attacks by sharks on humans were unprovoked, and 351 were by great white sharks, with 59 of these attacks proving fatal. Another species called brain eating amoeba is found in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs around the world and is considered deadly. Out of 381 cases, just seven individuals survived with no current cure.
As specified by www.divessi.com, approximately 100 people are killed by rip currents every year. Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. They typically form at breaks in sandbars and also near structures such as jetties and piers and are commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches. These currents are so dangerous because they can pull people away from shore. Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf, and even the strongest swimmers can be swept away from shore.
Though spending your summers in lakes, oceans and rivers can be fun, it’s important to keep in mind all the risks that come with it and take precautions to ensure a fun, safe summer.
