Hazardous Aquatic Life
Corals are some of the most beautiful animals in the ocean, but can scrape divers who accidentally brush up against them.
Animals That Cut And Scrape
Cuts and scrapes are the most common injuries that result from aquatic life. Animals such as hard corals and barnacles can be very sharp and easily cut divers when stepped on or scraped against.
Most of these injuries occur during entry and exit. For example, when shore diving, you may have to walk through shallow water where barnacles or broken pieces of coral are prevalent. Ascending and descending along a mooring buoy line can also be hazardous, as these lines often become home to sharp barnacles.
The best prevention against cuts and scrapes is to avoid contact with sharp animals. For skin protection, you should wear an exposure suit complete with booties and gloves. But be aware, you're more likely to touch corals when wearing gloves, so they are prohibited in many areas.
Most of these injuries occur during entry and exit. For example, when shore diving, you may have to walk through shallow water where barnacles or broken pieces of coral are prevalent. Ascending and descending along a mooring buoy line can also be hazardous, as these lines often become home to sharp barnacles.
The best prevention against cuts and scrapes is to avoid contact with sharp animals. For skin protection, you should wear an exposure suit complete with booties and gloves. But be aware, you're more likely to touch corals when wearing gloves, so they are prohibited in many areas.
