Safety Measures You Must Take Care of On Your Miami Alligator Tour
The Everglades in South Florida often gets a bad rep for being a 'dangerous' place. However, this claim couldn't be farther from the truth. Your chances of getting bit by an alligator in the Everglades are one in 3.2 million! In the past 60 years, there have been only 401 cases of people getting bit by alligators. Only 24 of these cases ended in fatalities. Authorities have taken several measures to make sure no tourist is put at any form of risk. Still, to be extra-safe, here are some safety measures you must take care of on your Miami Alligator Tour -
No Feeding the Alligators
In the winter, the alligators aren't as active as there aren't too many preys available. Hence, you can spot many hungry alligators on your Miami Airboat Tours. However, feeding them is strictly prohibited. You can feed birds but not alligators. Why risk provoking these deadly beasts? However, you can feast on alligators! Florida is famous for its 'PO boy' sandwiches with fried alligators. Kids can get carried away and throw pieces of food at alligators. Make sure to inform them not to do so as you could end up paying a hefty fine for an innocent mistake.
Don't Touch or Drink the Water
Most of the water in Everglades is fresh. The freshwater acts as a source for drinking water for over 7 million Floridian residents. Also, the average water depth in these parts is hardly 1.2-1.5 meters, with the deepest point being just 2.7 meters. So, it must be safe to take a swim in these shallow waters, right? Wrong! These waters are full of crocodiles and alligators. Both of these reptiles are masters of camouflage. You won't see them coming from a mile! Also, most of the water in Everglades suffers from excessive Zinc exposure. The neighboring coal-powered plants, sugar and cement factories have polluted the water with Zinc. Zinc can be harmful to the skin, especially for children. If you plan on taking Miami Airboat Tours, make sure to wear life jackets when on board. Also, ask your children to stay away from the boat railings.
Must-Carry Items
To make sure your Miami Alligator Tour is as safe as possible, there are some items that you must carry. Firstly, bring as many water bottles as possible. Although there are many stores available throughout the major routes, it is best to bring your water bottles. Carry small snacks in case you get hungry during the trip. Don't feed these snacks to any animals! Carry a sunscreen as the Sunshine State of Florida can get a bit overheated during the noon. It is safe to carry a rain-coat in case it rains.
Stay Away from Mosquitoes