Red Tide Is No Longer an Issue—Book Your Boat Rental in Florida!

Red tide’s presence in the ocean can be off-putting, and has made some reluctant to plan a day out on the water. Fortunately, the recent red tide has been on a steady decline in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and you can now safely enjoy a day out on the water without worry. Your local boat rental company in Florida is here to provide you with an update on the current condition of the water in the area, and tell you a little bit about what red tide actually is.

What exactly is red tide?

Algae drifts through the ocean every day, although it might not always be visible to the naked eye. If these algae are fed nutrients from bodies of water that are filled with richly fertilized soil from nearby forest and grasslands, they can quickly turn into a harmful algal bloom that will continue to grow larger. When these algae-filled waters eventually flow into the ocean, they can threaten the health of humans and wildlife in the area.

One form of this algae, called Karenia brevis, is noted by its deep red color that tints the ocean’s surface when it turns into a harmful algal bloom. If these algae pick up the support of winds coming from the ocean, it can be pushed right onshore. Commonly referred to as red tide, this bloom can cause dead fish to wash up on shore, produce a pungent odor and may also lead to respiratory irritation for beachgoers.

What is the current condition in the area?

After extensive testing at multiple sites, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced that red tide is no longer an issue in both Sarasota County and Manatee County. The presence of red tide has decreased between 5 to 25 percent, and the beaches are now clear and open, with four of the locations tested showing no presence of red tide at all. The strong offshore winds are helping to keep the odor and decaying fish away from the shore, but the decrease in the actual red tide cell counts shows the improvement in the quality of the water itself. While the ocean is nowhere near as dark as it was when the red tide threat was at its highest a few months ago, the water might still be a bit darker than usual, which is to be expected as the red tide continues to move out.

Those with respiratory issues might have been hesitant about getting out on the water over the past few months, but with the red tide subsiding and the air cleared up, now is the time to book your boat rental in Florida. If you are interested in a rental from a reliable crew that is committed to making sure all your needs are met, give us a call at Cool Breeze Boats and Jet Ski Rentals. Our number one goal is to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable day out on the water, which is why we provide renters with an orientation session before each trip, and maintain our boats with detailed efficiency. Give us a call to schedule your rental today, so you can get back out on the water as soon as possible!

Categorised in: Boat Rental

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