When you head to the ocean for some summer fun, you probably are not thinking about all the various sea creatures that lurk in and around the shore. Most folks dismiss that and simply enjoy themselves. While you certainly should not obsess about the dangers, you most certainly should not dismiss them. When you go into the ocean, you literally slide well down the food chain. There are plenty of animals and dangerous creatures that can harm you and you would be wise to know about them.

It is extremely rare to have a bad experience with these creatures because they generally want to stay away from us too, but you can’t ignore the possibility. Learn about them and then follow common sense to avoid them. Here are some creatures you might run into and how to avoid them in the future:

Sharks – Sharks are the most notorious by far and with good reason. They are capable of literally eating us and sometimes do. Still, it is rare and usually damage comes about through mistaken identity. We look a whole lot like the prey items they would generally chase.

How to avoid sharks – To stay clear of sharks, you should follow some simple tips. Don’t swim in the ocean after dark, at dusk or dawn. Don’t wear shiny objects when you swim. Never enter the water with an open wound or on your period. If you see a shark, get out of the water. Never attempt to interact with a shark. These are the basics of staying shark safe.

Stingrays – The Stingray is famous because it killed The Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin but it is not the evil predator most think after that accident. The stingray is not interested in being near us at all and will avoid you if possible. That said, you need to be careful to avoid them in the water. If you step on one it will stick you with that barb and it can be serious.

Jellyfish – The jellyfish is a very common sight in the water and along the beaches of the world and they will literally light you up if you come in contact. The stings can range from mildly painful to deadly depending on the type that stings you. If you see jellyfish in the water, avoid them at all costs.

Barracuda – Barracudas are not often mentioned because they tend to hang deeper out to sea than most. That said, they are dangerous and do sometimes head in closer to shore. Like all the other creatures on this list, this long slender predator should be avoided at all costs.

Stonefish – Stonefish are horrifically painful when you step on them or touch them and they like to sit hidden near the shoreline. Watch where you step and particularly around rocky areas of shallow water.

Sea Snakes – Sea snakes are not likely to be a problem for most people, but they certainly can be if you seek them out. Sea snakes will come in close to shore and occasionally even come on land but they are generally going to stay hidden. Leave them alone and give them a wide berth and you will be just fine.

Have you or your family encountered any dangerous creatures while on vacation? How did you avoid a dangerous situation?

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