Can people swim during a red tide?

People can swim during a red tide but it is usually not recommended to do so. Red Tides usually cause irritations in the skin and cause burning in the eyes. Coming into contact with dead fish while swimming in the red tide can lead to fatal results as a lot of harmful bacteria are present in such fishes.

Red tides produce harmful toxins, capable of causing fatalities to fish, shellfish, mammals and birds. In the case of humans, those with chronic respiratory illness are advised to avoid coastal regions affected by red tides.

For more relevant articles refer to the links given below:

• UPSC Environment and Ecology Questions
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• UPSC Environment and Ecology