Latest news with #beachsafety
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Gut punch': top shark expert quits Queensland advisory panel after LNP expands cull program
One of Australia's leading shark researchers has resigned from his position of almost eight years advising the Queensland shark control program, as members of that scientific working group say they were 'shocked' and sidelined by the state government's decision to expand the lethal control of sharks. Announcing an $88m shark management plan overhaul which would see shark nets and baited drum lines designed to kill target shark species rolled out at more beaches, and existing drum lines used more intensely, the primary industries minister, Tony Perrett, claimed this week that the Liberal National party's strategy was backed by research. 'I have said time and time again; the best science must inform our actions when it comes to Fisheries,' Perrett said on Sunday. But the expansion of the state's shark cull was slammed by conservation groups such as Australian Marine Conservation Society as an 'outdated' and 'unscientific' approach that 'does nothing to improve beach safety'. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Amid the noisy backlash this week, marine science professor Colin Simpfendorfer quietly handed in his resignation from the scientific working group to Perrett. Simpfendorfer had been a member of the advisory body since its inception in 2017 and is regarded as one of the country's foremost shark experts, having served as the co-chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission's (IUCN SSC) shark specialist group. He declined to comment. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, however, several members of the working group said they advised against the expansion of lethal control and were not informed of the LNPs plans to do so until days before they were announced. 'Everyone was shocked and everyone was pretty upset that there wasn't consultation,' one working group member said. 'We were told there was something coming and it was postponed and postponed and postponed. We kind of had the feeling that it was going to be bad … but it was a gut punch.' AMCS shark scientist and campaigner Dr Leonardo Guida said Simpfendorfer was 'unequivocally' Australia's most renowned and respected shark scientist. 'I don't think anyone would dispute the fact that Colin is, not just Australia's best and most respected and well known shark scientist but, even globally, he is up there at the top,' he said. Guida said he would like to sincerely thank Simpfendorfer for his expertise and service in the 'undoubtedly very challenging role' of providing scientific advice to 'what is essentially a state sanctioned marine cull of sharks'. 'As to what his resignation says, only a matter of days after Queensland's announcement to extend the shark cull, my interpretation of that would be that the Queensland government has made a decision that is no longer in line with scientific advice and recommendation,' Guida said. 'That this is a clear departure from scientific advice itself'. Several sources said that in its nearly eight years the working group had been successful in getting 'more science into decision making' around shark management in Queensland and in moving from lethal to non-lethal shark control – but that Sunday's announcement marked a 'philosophical' shift from the top. Some attributed the shift to pressure from commercial and recreational anglers who report increasingly having fish taken from their lines by sharks. Many scientists agree this behaviour – known as shark depredation – is on the rise in many places around the world, though none spoken to for this article believe that a shark cull will have any impact on depredation rates, nor improve the safety of swimmers. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Others said the decision was partly a reaction to a number of recent shark bites in Queensland, including that which killed 17-year-old surf life saver Charlize Zmuda while swimming at a Bribie Island beach in February, and that which killed youth pastor Luke Walford, who was spear fishing in the Keppel Bay Islands last December. Bribie Island has baited drum lines, while the Keppel islands do not. Shark scientist and Emmy award-winning underwater cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick, who has been on the scientific working group since its inception, says media reporting around fatal shark incidents may also have contributed to the expansion of lethal shark control measures. 'Media hysteria in Australia is one of the biggest problems with the whole shark issue,' he said 'Imagine if it were reported at the same level we do with car fatalities'. Fitzpatrick said the expansion of lethal shark measures had 'definitely' made him consider his position on the working group, but said that, ultimately, working with the government had allowed scientists to pursue much-needed research into shark tracking and movement. Included in the government's shark control plan, he said, was a survey of shark populations which would be 'essential', would 'not be cheap' and 'must be done properly'. 'We haven't had a stock assessment done on the target species in Queensland properly ever,' he said. 'Getting that done is absolutely critical now'. 'At the end of the day our approach is to do the best research possible.' Whether that research informs decision making or not, however, is a minister's prerogative. The primary industries minister said he stood by his comments the shark control plan was backed by science in the wake of Simpfendorfer's resignation. 'The Crisafulli Government makes no apology for reaffirming the purpose of the Shark Control Management Plan 2025-2029 Plan to prioritise the safety of people above all else,' Perrett said. The minister said research showed and a recent KPMG report confirmed that 'traditional methods (nets and drum lines) are still the most effective way of protecting swimmers'. 'Until the new technology is scientifically proven as effective at protecting beach goers as traditional methods, we will continue to invest in what keeps Queenslanders and our beaches safe,' he said.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘I screamed': Woman, toddler suffer 3rd-degree burns from charcoal buried in sand
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It's a cautionary tale for beachgoers: a Hillsborough County mother said her 2-year-old son suffered a serious burn, and it wasn't a sunburn. Taiji Goodson said her son, Armon, stepped on a hot piece of charcoal on Coquina Beach and was rushed to a local hospital. Saharan dust plume heading for Florida: Here's what to know 'I screamed with him,' Goodson explained. 'I cried with him.' 'I felt like I was finna pass out,' she continued. 'I was telling my sister we need to get to the car.' 'I'm forgetting my phone, baby bag, everything,' Goodson recalled. ''We have to get to the hospital, we have to go now.'' Goodson's cousin, Ja'Niya Davis, recalled the terrifying moment. She said, within seconds, a fun day at the beach for Memorial Day turned into chaos. 'My mom's like, 'What's wrong, what's wrong?', and I was like gasp and I just started screaming,' Davis said. 'I couldn't talk, and I just put my hand in her face like 'my hand!'' Davis explained that someone left hot charcoals buried in the sand. Not only did she feel her skin peel from her hand, but she had to see Armon feel that same pain on his foot. 'Just imagine your skin coming off in seconds and you didn't know,' she said. 'As soon as I put my hand in there, my skin instantly came off.' Goodson said Armon was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and then transported to Tampa General Hospital. She said he has a long healing journey ahead. As for Davis, she underwent surgery Wednesday. 'I honestly don't know how my hand looks, I was knocked out,' Davis said. 'I don't remember anything.' 'I just know they told me they were going to take all of the skin off and clean my hand,' she continued. 'Until next week, I won't know how it looks.' 'I just know it's burning and very, very uncomfortable,' Davis said. News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, 'What would be your advice to people going out to the beach this summer?' 'To pour some cold water down, just check your areas for you and your kids, [and] keep shoes on at all times,' Davis replied. 'Just be careful.' To donate to Armon's healing journey, click here. To donate to Davis' healing journey, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Galveston Island Beach Patrol warns of rip currents during Memorial Day
The Brief Interim Chief Lt. Austin Kirwin discusses beach conditions during Memorial Day. Lt. Kirwin shares safety tips on how to stay safe if you are caught by rip current. Lt. Kirwin shared the importance of following all beach safety guidelines. GALVESTON CO, TX - On Memorial Day, many people are either planning to take a trip to Galveston or have made their way down to the island, but Galveston Island Beach Patrol has a warning about rip currents this Memorial Day. Lt. Austin Kirwin with Galveston Island Beach Patrol says they are flying a red flag on the island because of a lot of wave action going on. What they're saying "So there are going to be very strong rip currents, Lt. Kirwin said, "So as you come down, and you look next to the beach, you notice there is a no swim sign. We call that our no-swim zone, and we want to make sure you stay far, far away from those areas." Lt. Kirwin adds that when looking for a place to stop along the beach, keep your eyes open. "The next thing we say is drive down the beach and figure out a good beach to go to, find one with a lifeguard on the stand. How you know a lifeguard is there is because you know the flag is raised above the tower with the logo flag, and the condition flag. Also swim within your ability," said Lt. Kirwin. Why you should care Lt. Kirwin adds jetties are a primary location where rip currents form. "So, as the water pushes against the jetty, it forms a current of water that acts like a rover that goes out to sea. So next to the jetty next to the piers, next to anything that sticks out in the water, they do pull you out to the water, and they do pull you out to sea," said Lt. Kirwin. Lt. Kirwin said if you find yourself in the middle of a rip current it is important to remain calm, but also why it's important to designate a water watcher when enjoying the beach with others. "The current does not pull you under. A lot of people think it does. It only pulls you out to sea, so the best thing you can do is return to shore and remain calm is yell and scream for help. The biggest problem with rip currents is people begin to panic and once you panic you become more tired faster and that's when things start to go bad," said Lt. Kirwin. "You should also designate a water watcher, so if you come down with six people, let five swim and let that sixth person sit there and watch the water and keep the extra eyes on those people." The Source FOX 26 Reporter Leslie DelasBour spoke with Galveston Island Beach Patrol about rip currents.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jellyfish sting nearly 100 beachgoers in Daytona Beach over holiday weekend
The Brief Nearly 100 people were stung by jellyfish during Memorial Day weekend in Daytona Beach. Officials urge caution but say most stings are minor and treatable on-site. Despite warnings, beachgoers largely stayed in the water to enjoy the holiday. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Nearly 100 people were stung by jellyfish along Daytona Beach over the Memorial Day weekend, prompting warnings from local officials and beach safety crews. What we know Over Memorial Day weekend, 99 people were stung by jellyfish along Daytona Beach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety officials. The majority of stings were mild, though some individuals required hospital treatment. Jellyfish were spotted both in the surf and along the sand. Beach crews are responding by treating stings with vinegar and advising caution. What we don't know Officials have not identified the specific species of jellyfish responsible for the stings, nor have they indicated whether this sudden surge is tied to seasonal patterns or unusual ocean conditions. It also remains unclear whether more stings may occur in the coming days, or if additional safety measures will be implemented. The backstory Daytona Beach is a popular Memorial Day destination, often drawing large crowds. In past years, beach safety teams have responded to hundreds of water rescues during this weekend. While rescues dropped to 35 this year, jellyfish stings emerged as a new concern, shifting the focus of beach safety efforts. The stings highlight the unpredictable nature of beach safety hazards. While rip currents typically dominate safety advisories, marine life can present unexpected risks—even on high-traffic weekends like Memorial Day. Yellow flags remain in place, alerting visitors to moderate water risks. What they're saying Volusia County Beach Safety Deputy Chief AJ Miller said beachgoers should stay alert but not overly alarmed. "We've pulled out 35 people yesterday and Saturday from the water," he said. "We have jellyfish in the area. Just between Saturday and Sunday, we had 99 people stung by jellyfish." Deputy Miller said it's important to pay attention. "You can see them if you're really watching," Miller said, "But then you're going to spend your whole day staring at the water and not enjoying the day." "It's a minor concern," said Brian Thatcher, a Jacksonville resident. "Everybody's trying to have a good time, go back to work tomorrow, so you got to do something to enjoy." What you can do Visitors are encouraged to seek help from lifeguards if stung; vinegar is available for treatment at beach stations. Those with allergies to insect stings are urged to be especially cautious, as they may be more sensitive to jellyfish venom. Despite the stings, most beachgoers were undeterred, soaking up the sun and surf before heading back to work. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Volusia County Beach Safety, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and visitors to Daytona Beach on May 26, 2025.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Daytona Beach sees fewer rescues needed this Memorial Day weekend
Thousands of people spent their Memorial Day weekend soaking up the sun and surf at Florida's beaches. Volusia beach safety had extra lifeguards working to make sure those beachgoers stayed safe. As far as recues go, this year was a slow one. Beach safety made 35 rescues Saturday and Sunday combined. Some holiday weekends can se hundreds of rescues in a day. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer. That means big crowds at the beaches. Those busy days aren't relaxing for the people tasked with patrolling it. From Daytona Beach's big, red towers to the bright red trucks, lifeguards could be seen working every section of it. 'We actually have more than double our staff this year than from last year,' said Capt. Stephen Canfield. Canfield said more than 80 lifeguards worked at various Volusia County beaches Monday. He said they often make the most recues when ocean conditions are calm. While he said that wasn't the case this year, he's still pushing the same message going into the busy summer months that even if the water looks calm, make sure to swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. He aid if you get caught in an undertow or get pulled underneath or in a rip current, try to swim parallel to the shore. Beachgoers said the lifeguards' presence gave them peace of mind as they enjoyed the sane and surf. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
