Anniversary of shark attack on SPI prompts 4th of July safety measures

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Padre Island is always a popular destination during the Fourth of July weekend as thousands of people from the Rio Grande Valley and tourists pack the beaches to celebrate and unwind.

ValleyCentral spoke to several beachgoers who say staying informed, traveling in groups, and keeping a watchful eye are always go-to methods to ensure everyone enjoys the weekend safely.

The Graves family, visiting from Houston, says they are always aware of their surroundings whether in or out of the water.

“By following all warning signs as today there is a beach advisory so we are not going in above our knees and wearing sunscreen of course and protecting the environment by not leaving plastic or anything out here," Jaime Graves, a beachgoer, said.

Others like Joannn Shimabe from Pharr prefer to stay on shore.

“I’m going to stay safe by staying in here and maybe go in ankle deep," Shimabe said.

South Padre Island Ocean Rescue Lieutenant Pedro Casillas says it is a good idea to not try to swim if you don’t know how.

“If you can swim. Don't go in," Casillas said. "When visiting the beach, is very important to check for the flag condition for the day. Every beach access has the flag conditions. Red is gonna be heavy. Serve. Yellow is counter-moderate, but still use caution. And purple means presence of venomous marine life, which could be ... jellyfish.”

Casillas adds that there is also a city ordinance against fireworks along the beach and life guards, police and other emergency responders will be standing by the beaches to help anyone in need.

This July Fourth marks one year since the shark attacks on the island.

“It is a natural thing, and I don’t think we will be able to prevent them, so I just hope it never happens to us," Graves said. "It's their water, so we are visiting, so just trying to keep an eye out and be in the shallows and stay together in groups.”

Casillas says taking a picture during your beach visit could make all the difference in case of an emergency.

"When visiting the beach this weekend, it's very important to take a picture of your child before visiting the beach," Casillas said. "They tend to wander off. You know, everything looks the same. And in case that does happen, it's good to have a picture of them, what they're wearing that day so that we could easily recover them.”

Casillas adds that they are expecting yellow flag conditions throughout the Fourth of July weekend meaning there is a moderate risk for rip currents.