Texas Vacationers Warned – Certain Beach Activities ‘Not Advised’

(KPEL-FM) Spring has arrived in Texas. If you make the drive from Abilene to Austin on the back roads through the Texas Hill Country right now you will understand why so many of us have a deep and undying love for this great state and the land we are blessed to live in.

But no matter how much you love Austin, Dallas, Beaumont, Muleshoe, Borger, Lufkin, or even Waskom, there will be a time when you want to get away. Most of us do that every year during Spring Break. UT Austin and Texas A&M have already enjoyed their spring break this year, but there are still school systems and universities across the state that are itching to put their toes in the water and their buttocks in the sand.

If you combine the current forecast of sunny skies, warm temperatures, and spring break just a few days away it's no wonder that so many Texans are thinking about the sound of blenders and the smell of coconut oil. Yes, the beach is calling but truth be told, you shouldn't answer the call of every beach.

What Destinations Have Current Travel Warnings and Advisories?

The United States Department of State maintains a list of destinations that are popular with American travelers. Many of those destinations are perfectly safe for Americans to visit. Others are not. Among the "don't go" destinations are places like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Haiti.

Then there are other places that have been popular with Louisiana travelers in the past but according to the Department of State, you should reconsider travel or exercise extreme caution when traveling. Jamaica has a "reconsider travel" advisory. So do Mozambique and Pakistan.

Are Island Travelers Safe in Private Resorts?

Then there are the Level 2 Advisories which is the Department of State's way of saying, you can go, but keep your head on a swivel and be vigilant all the time. One of the destinations that falls under the Level 2 advisory is the Islands of the Bahamas.

Many people travel to the Bahamas and stay in private resorts, if that's the case you should be okay as long as you are inside the confines of that resort. However, there is a new advisory concerning beach activities that might take place in and near some of these resorts. That's where the latest area of concern has surfaced. 

What Beach Activities Are Now Considered "Dangerous" by the Department of State?

The State Department is now warning travelers to the Bahamas to be vigilant when renting or using Jet Skis or other personal watercraft. There has been an increase in reports of sexual assault by some Jet Ski or personal watercraft operators.

Other concerns that have been raised include unlicensed watercraft and boat operators who might not adhere to certain safety standards. Many of these "fly by night" operators have also been accused of not paying attention to the weather and potential storm warnings thus putting guests in danger.

Remember, the Bahamas is also a popular cruise ship destination. So, even if you aren't "going to the Bahamas," you might find yourself there. Just be prepared and plan ahead. Remember, the Department of State isn't telling you not to go; they are simply suggesting that if you do go, don't let your guard down.

And that's exactly how we all like to spend our vacation, right?