Marine Life | My Site 3

🌊 Florida Marine Life & Ocean Safety

Know Before You Go — Respect the Ocean, Protect Yourself

Florida’s beaches are full of life — beautiful, wild, and sometimes dangerous. Understanding marine life and how to stay safe is essential for every ocean visitor. Here’s what to know before you hit the water:

🐠 Common Marine Life You Might Encounter

✅ Harmless or Low-Risk Species

Manatees: Slow-moving and gentle. Look, don’t touch — they are protected by law.
Dolphins: Playful and social, often seen surfing waves.
Sea Turtles: Common during nesting season (March–October). Never disturb nests or hatchlings.
Sand Dollars, Starfish, Crabs: Keep them in the water — handling can harm them.

⚠️ Hazardous Marine Life to Be Aware Of

🔱 Jellyfish & Portuguese Man O’ War

Hazard: Tentacles can cause painful stings and allergic reactions.
Tip: Avoid touching any jellyfish, even if washed ashore or seemingly dead.
If stung: Rinse with vinegar or saltwater (not fresh water), remove tentacles carefully with tweezers, and notify a lifeguard.

🐟 Stingrays

Hazard: Stingrays hide in shallow water and may sting if stepped on.
Tip: Shuffle your feet while walking in the shallows ("stingray shuffle") to warn them off.
If stung: Rinse with hot water and seek medical attention if needed.

🦈 Sharks

Hazard: Rare, but possible in Florida waters.
Tip: Avoid the water at dawn, dusk, or after rainstorms. Stay in groups, and don’t enter the ocean if bleeding.

🐙 Sea Urchins & Fire Coral

Hazard: Sharp or stinging — can cause pain or skin irritation.
Tip: Wear water shoes in rocky areas and avoid contact while snorkeling or diving.

🐚 Cone Snails & Lionfish

Hazard: Venomous creatures that may appear beautiful or exotic.
Tip: Never pick up unknown sea creatures or shells with live occupants.

🧠 Safety Tips & Tricks

Always Swim Near a Lifeguard: Lifeguards are your best protection.
Heed the Flags: Check for beach condition flags — they indicate hazards like marine life or rough surf.
Ask Lifeguards: They're here to help — ask about water conditions or sightings.
Storm Caution: Wait after storms to swim — stirred water may bring marine life closer to shore.
No Feeding Wildlife: Feeding fish or birds can attract predators and alter ecosystems.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the marine environment and coral reefs.
Respect Wildlife: Admire marine animals from a distance — never chase, touch, or harass.

🐢 Marine Life Protection Laws

Florida has strict protections in place:

Sea Turtles: Don’t shine lights on beaches at night or disturb nesting areas.
Manatees & Dolphins: Stay at least 50 yards away. Never feed or chase them.

Violators can face fines or legal consequences — help us protect these animals!

📸 Found Something Interesting?

Enjoy marine life from afar — don’t touch or collect creatures or shells with animals inside.
If you see an injured animal:
📞 Call FWC Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)