Local organization uses phone app to show safe waterways
Summer is right around the corner and pretty soon thousands head to the shore for some fun in the sun. Although, before you dive into that water, it's best to make sure its safe first.
Luckily Assateague Coastal Trust has made it easy to check.
"For summer we have this really cool smart phone app called Swim Guide. So wherever you might be you open up the Swim Guide app, then it's going to show you the beaches or the water recreation areas that are closest to where you are standing at that moment and it's going to give you either a red flag or a green flag."
Kathy Phillips is the Assateague Coastkeeper, which means she monitors the water conditions of the coastal bays watershed.
That's important because Phillips is the one who makes sure local waterways that aren't tested by the county are swimmable and fishable.
She explains, "A green flag means the bacteria level in the water according to EPA standards is a safe level for swimming, so you're good to go. We pull the county information into here and we also upload our inland bays and creeks information into here and so it's just one stop shopping."
And while that one stop shop could be the difference. Phillips also has plenty of tips to help anyone looking to cool off during the heat of summer.
"What we want people to know is if the bacteria levels are slightly elevated then it's a good idea after you get out of the water make sure you take a nice soapy shower and don't go in the water if you have open sores make sure they're covered with waterproof bandages."
While the app may have been created with safety in mind. It is also being used as an educational tool, a way to better connect people with something they love and enjoy.
"This is a way for people in our communities to actually connect with their waterways to have a better understanding of what goes into the water and what happens when that goes into the water," says Phillips.
Phillips says it's crucial to keep an eye out for the bacterial levels in local waters, especially the back bays and creeks.
She says there are a number of health risks associated with them because unlike area hot spots like Ocean City, they are affected by runoff and storm water.
This means there could be higher bacteria levels and an increased risk of infection or illness.
"A little less common but it still happens is if you have a scratch or an open sore on your leg or your feet and that's constantly in the water, that sore might get more infected and if that happens you should definitely go see a doctor right away," Phillips explains.
Phillips says that swimmers should keep a first aid kit, so that if someone gets cut – the injury can be treated and covered right away.
For more information about the Swim Guide or Assateague Coastkeeper head to their website.
