SEA GRANT SUMMER /MEMORIAL DAY SAFETY TIPS - MAY 19, 1998
Editor's Note: The following are ideas for Memorial Day stories promoting summer recreation safety.
SEAFOOD SAVVY: KNOWING THE RISKS OF CATCHING YOUR OWN FISH AND SHELLFISH
During the summer months, many people enjoy catching their own seafood. Whether you're sport fishing or clam digging, it's important to know how to avoid the health risks associated with recreational seafood harvesting. When shellfishing, always obey the restrictions and advisories issued by state fisheries agencies and health departments. Be aware that filter-feeding bivalves like clams and oysters can collect bacteria and viruses carried into coastal waters in sewage and agricultural runoff. When people eat bivalves raw, they run the risk of ingesting these organisms says Ken Gall, a seafood extension specialist with New York Sea Grant. Consumers should steam or boil shellfish to reduce this health risk. Seafood toxins can also be a threat to consumers. However, unlike bacteria and parasites, toxins can not be destroyed by cooking. Some seafood toxins that accumulate in shellfish are produced naturally by marine algae during periods of excessive growth called algal "blo! oms." Other toxins, like scombrotoxin, are produced when finfish are not cooled properly. To avoid this potential health risk, Gall advises that anglers have plenty of ice on board their boats and never allow fish to remain on the deck or dock for long periods of time in warm weather. Anglers, like shellfish harvesters, should always check with local authorities for health advisories issued for their intended fishing waters. If you're not sure if the fish you're about to consume contains contaminants, Gall says avoid eating the internal organs, trim away fatty areas of the fish, and broil or bake the fish so that fats and juices can drain away. CONTACT: Ken Gall, New York Sea Grant Seafood Extension Specialist, (Stony Brook, NY), (O) 516-632-8730; E-Mail: [email protected]
CHOOSING THE RIGHT "BUDDY" CRUCIAL TO SAFE SCUBA DIVING
While the "buddy system" is a fundamental component of scuba diving training, simply agreeing to dive with another person does not guarantee safety. "The qualities that exemplify a good diver are more subtle that one might expect," says Lee Somers, Michigan Sea Grant's water safety specialist. "Personal commitment, self-awareness and attitude toward diving safety are of vital importance." Somers suggests divers consider their partner's physical fitness, the condition and appropriateness of their equipment, and the compatibility of themselves and their buddies before, during and after the dive. "A buddy team is only as good as its' weakest member," he says. Divers should avoid choosing individuals who scoff at diving rules, are highly competitive or who have been drinking. Most authorities suggest that at least 24 hours should elapse between drinking and diving. Somers notes that the single most important trait of a good diver is awareness. A diver who is aware of time and air supply, who is oriented to his underwater location, and who is alert to signs of fatigue in himself or his buddy makes a good partner. A good buddy is also someone who can offer immediate assistance in making a rescue or treating an injury. Somers cautions, however, that people not be too dependent on their partner. "A diver should never substitute his or her lack of training, knowledge, skills, and equipment with that of their buddy." CONTACT: Lee Somers, Michigan Sea Grant Water Safety Specialist, (Ann Arbor, MI), (O) 734-936-0518; E-Mail: [email protected]
BEACH SAFETY: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM LIGHTNING
Millions of Americans will be hitting the nation's beaches this summer to enjoy the sun and surf. Along with the long, warm days of the season, however, comes the threat of severe weather, including lightning. Bolts of lightning follow the path of least resistance to strike the highest objects on the ground. On a flat beach, a fisherman or sunbather is just that. "Because of this characteristic of lightning," says Delaware Sea Grant marine recreation and tourism specialist Jim Falk, "surf fishing and other beach-related activities are exceptionally dangerous during a thunderstorm." To protect yourself, Falk suggests leaving beaches, piers and boardwalks and seeking shelter as soon as you detect an approaching storm. If no building is available, get in an automobile. If you can not find shelter, seek the lowest possible spot. Stay away from beach umbrellas, chairs or other metal objects as they are good candidates for a lightning strike. If you feel a tingling sensatio! n and all your hair stands on end, lightning is about to strike. At this point, Falk suggests you squat down on your heels and cover your head with your hands. This crouch position diffuses the impulse of the lightning bolt. While lightning kills over 100 people a year in the United States, researchers estimate that two thirds of strike victims survive. A key to survival is getting immediate help from a trained lifeguard or medical personnel. If no outside help is available, says Falk, check the victim's breathing and heartbeat. "A person apparently 'killed' by lightning can often be revived by prompt, prolonged mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage."
CONTACT:
Jim Falk, Delaware Sea Grant Marine Recreation and Tourism Specialist, (Lewes, DE), (O) 302-645-4235; E-Mail: [email protected]
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