By Amy Nowlin
Coastal & Marine Resources
Texas A&M AgriLife Matagorda County
As families head to the coast for summer vacations, Matagorda County Coastal and Marine Resources would like to remind visitors that a fun day at the beach begins with awareness, preparation, and respect for the coastal environment.
One of the most significant hazards along the Texas coast is the presence of rip currents - powerful channels of water that can quickly carry swimmers away from shore.
Beach visitors are encouraged to check local surf conditions, swim near lifeguards when available, and never enter the water alone.
If caught in a rip current, remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline until free of the current before heading back to shore.
Avoid digging deep holes or trenches in the beach sand. While digging is a favorite beach activity for children, deep holes can collapse without warning and create dangerous conditions for both beachgoers and emergency responders.
Any holes dug during the day should be filled before leaving the beach.
Large holes can also create obstacles for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings attempting to reach the water.
Additional summer safety reminders include staying hydrated, using sunscreen, keeping an eye on changing weather conditions, and avoiding swimming near jetties or other structures where strong currents may be present.
Beach visitors should also stay off protected dunes, which help shield coastal communities from erosion and storm impacts.
Life jackets save lives and should be worn whenever boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or participating in water activities, especially in deep water.
Even strong swimmers can become fatigued, injured, or caught in unexpected currents.
A properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket provides critical flotation and can make the difference in an emergency.
Children should always wear a life jacket while on or near the water, and adults are encouraged to lead by example by wearing theirs as well.
Visitors are also encouraged to pack out everything they bring to the beach.
Left-behind trash and personal items - including food wrappers, fishing line, plastic bags, beverage containers, chairs, tents, and beach toys - can pose serious threats to wildlife.
Shorebirds may become entangled in discarded fishing lines or ingest small pieces of plastic mistaken for food.
Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable, often confusing floating plastic bags with jellyfish, one of their natural prey items.
Ingested debris can cause injury, starvation, or death.
Even items that seem harmless can create hazards.
Abandoned beach equipment and litter can obstruct nesting areas, entangle wildlife, and contribute to marine debris that washes into bays and the Gulf.
Food scraps left behind may also attract predators that prey on bird nests and sea turtle eggs.
As summer beach season gets underway, visitors are encouraged to make safety their top priority.
At the same time, everyone can play a role in protecting Texas beaches and the wildlife that depend on them.
Through a combination of safe practices and environmental stewardship, we can ensure that our beaches remain enjoyable, healthy, and welcoming for residents, visitors, and wildlife.