Seaweed, Sunburns, and Safety: Hurricane Hal explains Galveston Beach

Dr. Hal Needham, known as Hurricane Hal, shares his expertise on coastal ecosystems, weather patterns, and beach safety for visitors to Galveston Island. From explaining the science behind changing water colors to offering practical safety advice, Dr. Needham provides valuable insights for enjoying Gulf Coast beaches safely and appreciating their natural dynamics.

• Natural sargassum seaweed plays crucial role in marine ecosystems and helps build beaches by capturing sand
• Galveston's water changes color due to suspended sediment from shallow sandy bottoms and nearby rivers
• Rip currents pose the deadliest coastal hazard—stay calm and don't fight against them if caught
• Sunburn risk depends on shadow length, not temperature—visit beaches before 10:30am and after 5pm to avoid burns
• Hurricane season typically begins around August 11th, after most summer vacations conclude
• Barrier islands are dynamic formations that constantly evolve and change with natural forces

Follow Hurricane Hal on social media for non-hype weather forecasts and coastal science insights.

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