Beach Visits Always A Roll Of The Dice

Whether for the hot sun of summer, or the breezy solitude of cooler months, Texas beaches have always been a popular destination for Houstonians. But, an unacknowledged aspect of every trip to the beach is the danger that always lurks there. For an Anahuac family, that reality came home with tragic results, on February 9^th, when the family came for a day at the beach, on Galveston Island's west end. A grandfather and other family members were walking on the beach, not far from Monkhouse Road, near the sand dunes, at about 3:30 p.m.; when a giant log, estimated to be 39-feet long, three feet in diameter and weighing several hundred pounds, suddenly shifted and began rolling down the dune upon which it was perched. A 3-year old child was trapped beneath the log and the grandfather and a 15- year old sibling were injured trying to prevent the log from crushing the toddler. A spokesperson for the Galveston County Sheriff's Office reported that an ambulance was dispatched; and, emergency crews used four-wheel drive vehicles to push the massive log, in a frantic effort to reach the child in time. But, despite their combined efforts, the small child died. Galveston County's medical examiner reported that an autopsy revealed that the death resulted from asphyxia.

Authorities were unclear as to what caused the log to begin moving. The family was not playing on it, or walking on the dune supporting it. Apparently, the sand beneath it simply shifted, at a horrifically coincidental moment, just in time for the family to innocently walk into a freak catastrophe. A Galveston County Commissioner has called for an investigation as to whether the log washed up in the winter surf, or was placed on the dunes by beach clean-up crews, or even dumped there by an area contractor. However, with no witnesses, scant clues as to the log's origin, and no physical evidence to pin-point who or what put the log there, a solution to the mystery appears far-fetched.

Although being injured or killed in an incident this bizarre would appear to be minute, for the average beach-goer, there are plenty of more common risks that can create problems at the beach, with potentially disturbing, far-reaching consequences. In the water, especially during the winter months, strong tides and rip currents can make swimming particularly hazardous. Cooler water temperatures can produce numbing hypothermia, making swimming to safety difficult and quickly exhausting. But, even on the beach, storm tides can create danger. Debris, broken glass, barnacle-encrusted flotsam, jelly fish and other junk can present serious walking hazards. E-coli and antibiotic resistant bacteria are also common in Gulf waters, and can even be in the sand. So, cuts and abrasions which open the skin and introduce them into the bloodstream can be especially problematic.

Texas has roughly 350 miles of coast line, and nearby Chambers, Galveston and Brazoria counties offer scores of miles of remote beaches for fishing, walking, wading and swimming. But, during the winter months, virtually none of it offers lifeguards or other readily available safety facilities. Therefore, any beachgoer must provide for his or her own safety. Taking a cell phone, plenty of water, snacks, warm clothing, flashlights and a well-stocked first aid kit are therefore virtually mandatory. A day on a lonely beach can be soothing, reflective and remarkably refreshing. But, common sense precautions are also necessary to insure that the outing does not turn into one of complications and even tragedy. Nearby beaches are one of Houston's best assets. But, they are perfect examples that outside the city, Mother Nature reigns supreme; and she must always be approached with foresight and respect.

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