11. Be aware of ocean life.

11. Be aware of ocean life.

Photo: kqedquest

Luckily, shark attacks aren’t that common (the U.S. averages just 19 shark attacks each year, and only one every two years is fatal). Most ocean life by the shore shouldn’t cause too much worry, but it’s always good to be aware.

Barnacles and the shells of mussels and clams (especially razor clams!) can be very sharp, so watch carefully when walking on rocks and move slowly while walking out into the water. Little crabs also have an affinity for pinching, so proceed carefully over small rocks with nooks and crannies.

Jellyfish are another creature to look out for — many varieties have tentacles that can discharge venom-filled stingers into your skin, causing a sting. These can vary greatly in severity: They usually result only in a painful, red, irritated mark, though some types can cause severe and life-threatening injuries (remember thatbox jellyfish in Seven Pounds?).

Most jellyfish stings can be treated at home: If any tentacles remain stuck to the skin after exiting the water, remove them using a flat object (like a credit card). Do not rub them off with your hands (you don’t want more stings!) or a towel (which can agrivate the sting even more). Rinse the sting with seawater (using fresh water may activate singers that have not yet released venom). Next, deactivate the stingers: Rinsing with vinegar for at least 30 seconds works for some species, while a paste of baking soda and seawater works for sings caused by Portuguese man-of-war and sea nettle jellyfish. Finally, relieve pain by soaking the sting in hot water for at least 20 minutes. (Note: Despite the folklore, urinating on a jellyfish sting may actually cause the stingers to release more venom, rather than providing relief. Keep your pee to yourself, people.)