Red tide has been detected at nearly every beach in Collier County, including Clam Pass, Barefoot Beach, Wiggins Pass, Naples Pier, Vanderbilt Beach, Seagate, and the newest addition — South Marco Beach. Florida Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, confirmed the presence of the harmful algae in water samples from these locations.
Kristine Hollingsworth from the Florida Department of Health Collier County is urging people, especially those at higher risk, to take precautions.
"If you are at the beach, if you have any respiratory issues such as asthma, COPD, the very old or the very young, if you start to experience red itchy eyes, any coughing, those symptoms are indicative of red tide. If you do leave the beach, those symptoms should subside," Hollingsworth said.
Red tide is a type of harmful algae bloom that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. If you come into contact with it, Hollingsworth recommends washing off thoroughly.
"If you do enter the water where there is red tide, you need to rinse off with clean water as well as soap," she said.
Pet owners should also be cautious. Don’t allow your pets to go in the water — and don’t let them touch any dead fish you may see on the sand.
Despite the cooler weather keeping most people out of the water, some beachgoers are still enjoying the day. Dr. Frederick Cohn, a seasonal resident, was spotted walking along the beach, but he hasn’t experienced any symptoms.
"No. I've been out every day, and I haven't felt anything. But I think each person responds to these threats differently," Cohn said.
As a physician, he recommends extra care for those with underlying health conditions.
"Anyone with underlying respiratory disease or immunologic issues, things like that, should be particularly careful," he said.
The Department of Health recommends closing windows and running the AC for residents living right on the beach.