Saturday, October 18, 2008

Coming Soon To A Beach Near You

Now that the we have come to end of another so-so and typically inconsistent summer surf season here in San Diego, our thoughts have turned to the images of big north swells emanating from the gulf of Alaska. While we all anxiously await that "opening day" of the season which is really somewhat of an arbitrary measure of conditions which really just adds up to a general consensus among the locals at every surf spot that it either meets the criteria or not. Usually, as time passes and it gets deeper into the season for the surf to be eligible for opening day status, the lower the standard gets for qualification. By remaining vigilant and personally checking the surf every day, we'll soon be in the thick of it; in more ways than one. For most of my friends and I it's opening day when Skippy gets one at Hairmo and takes it through the Point, off the side, and all the way into the cove to the beach. That is what constitutes the proverbial "Opening Day" in our neighborhood!



Opening day being just around the corner also means that we can all look forward to the rainy season, which for most of us means taking measures to avoid getting sick from bacteria from urban runoff pollution. Since we haven't had a significant amount of rainfall in nearly six months, the first time it rains over .25 of an inch it would be prudent to abstain from entering the ocean for at least 4-5 days to avoid waterborne bacteria. I hear it said quite often that since those of us who have been surfing X amount of years we have built up antibodies which make us less susceptible to infections. That is, unfortunately, a myth and a dangerous one to believe.. Even if you don't become sick within 72 hours after exposure you are still injesting toxins which may not show outward signs of illness for weeks, months, or even years later. If you do dodge a bullet be thankful that your antibodies are doing their job; this time.

The majority of toxins come from pollution from agriculture, construction, human waste,animal manure and nitrogen and phosphorus from lawns and gardens. In short, everything that is spilled or dumped on the street or in the gutters eventually gets washed into storm drains and into the ocean; we can't possibly imagine what this mixture of toxic soup becomes. These toxins commingle and become diseases that haven't even been identified let alone named.

We do know that some of the toxic viruses have catchy names like the norovirus- Norwalk, viral hepatitis A, bacteria such as E Coli, and the lovely protozoan parasite crytosporidium which will be pouring off the streets, into the gutter, on to the storm drain and coming soon to a beach near you.

It seems to me that here is an overall lack of public attention which is due to the oceans placid appearance. People look out at the ocean and on the surface everything looks fine. Below the surface it reveals a completely different reality. I think that the problems associated with runoff and beach closures due to waterborne bacteria trumps trash and ciggy butts on the beach. Not that plastics and trash and butts aren't problems that deserve our attention. I just feel that eduacting the public about the dangers that lie beneath the surface need to be addressed with more of a sense of urgency. To get a better idea of what the problems and solutions to the problems are, go to the LA Times website and search "Altered States". There was an article just published in the Washington Post titled "Risk Of Disease Rises With Ocean Temperature' It is imperative that you read this information if you plan on entering the ocean this winter, it just might save your life.

I hope you don't get the impression that I'm all doom and gloom. I'm looking forward to the winter surf as much as anyone; I just want everyone to be aware of the dangers that lurk in and around us during the coming rainy season. The problems I have just outlined really just scratch the surface of the issues. As ocean temperatures continue to rise water borne illnesses are only going to continue and the alarming numbers of beach closures will increase incrementally. Look around and you will find lots of information on the subject. A well informed and vigilant citizenry is one that will help make the cities do the right thing and help us solve the problems due to runoff.

Check it out. If any of you have any any information to pass along send it to me and I'll post your responses.

slainte,

TK

No comments: