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Stay Healthy and Safe at the Beach This Summer

Whether it's the healthy glow of sun-kissed cheeks or a long-awaited holiday, getting on the beach and in the sun is often the first order of summer. But did you know that there are hidden environmental health threats on the sand and in the surf?

From seafood to beach water quality, here's what you need to know to protect your family's health this summer. And while you are keeping your family safe, NRDC is working to keep environmental pollution off your coasts and out of your water so you can enjoy the best summer has to offer.

Pick a beach that is tested regularly for cleanliness and that notifies you when it is unsafe to go in the water. Swimming at a polluted beach puts you at risk for ear, nose, and eye infections; stomach problems; hepatitis; skin rashes; and respiratory illnesses. NRDC surveys beach water quality data every year, so if you have a minute, visit our website to find out if your favorite beach is a beach bum or a beach buddy.

Just because the waves are blue doesn't mean the water underneath your board is healthy for you (or for marine life!). Experts estimate that some 7 million Americans are sickened by contaminated water --including recreational and drinking water -- every year. Help keep your water clean and visit http://www.nrdc.org/oceans to take action today!

Wait at least 24 hours to swim at the beach after a heavy rainfall -- particularly if you have cuts or scratches. Overflowing sewage or contaminated stormwater can run off into our coastal waters after rain, flooding our favorite swimming beaches with dangerous pollution that can cause infections, rashes, fever, chills, and nausea. NRDC is helping homeowners, businesses, and cities design smart solutions to curb stormwater runoff. Learn what you can do to reduce and capture runoff in your area.

Eat fish and seafood with low levels of mercury. Tuna and other large predatory fish like swordfish contain levels of mercury that can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. If you have a minute, print out a wallet guide to mercury in fish to help you make healthier eating choices. To learn more, visit NRDC's Mercury Contamination in Fish Guide where you can estimate your mercury levels with an online calculator and print out sustainable seafood recipes from top chefs.


See how often the water at your favorite beach is tested and if it violated health standards.	Keeping enjoying seafood by avoiding fish with high levels of mercury and buying and preparing seafood that is sustainable. Learn more and find great recipes in the Seafood Lover's section of NRDC's oceans site.	Read NRDC's homeowner's guide and make a few changes in your household to reduce water pollution. Reduce polluted stormwater runoff by moving rain gutters and spouts on your home to lead to soil, grass or gravel areas, and not hard surfaces which funnel pollution into waterways.