Plan for a Safe Trip

General Safety Tips For An Enjoyable Visit

Make your visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore be a safe one. This requires planning and preparation. Below are a few things to be aware of before you visit.

Stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands for 20 seconds, practice social distancing, cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze and wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained (face coverings are currently OPTIONAL in federal buldings). Bring a tablecloth to cover the picnic table.

 

Plan ahead for your trip to ensure a pleasant visit to Cumberland Island.

NPS Graphic/Robin Barker

 

Click here for text alternative for 'Be Prepared' infographic.

 

Zika Virus

There have been no confirmed cases of Zika in the area of Cumberland Island National Seashore to date. However park visitors should be aware of the potential risk for Zika and are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, is a non-native disease spreading in multiple countries and territories in the Western Hemisphere. The Zika virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes and has been linked to severe health complications in those who contract it.

Please take time to visit the webpage, Zika and the National Parks

There you will find information compiled by the National Park Service and Center For Disease Control which describes the virus, areas at risk, and measures you can take to have a safe and enjoyable trip to your national parks.

What you can do when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore:

• Wear clothing that provides good skin coverage.
• Use insect repellent (bug spray).
• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations.
• Protect children.
• Learn more and stay informed.

Check the Georgia Department of Public Health website for more information on mosquito-borne diseases in Georgia.

 

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can be abundant on Cumberland Island in the Spring, Summer and Fall. While they are not as numerous in the winter, they are still present. Some of the ticks may carry diseases such as spotted fever rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and lyme disease. All visitors should take precautions to avoid exposure to ticks. These include using insect repellant containing deet, treating clothing with permetherin and making frequent checks of the body for ticks.

Other precautions include tucking pants into socks, avoiding walking off trail and through thick underbrush. If possible, bring a roll of masking tape to 'blot' ticks off in case you get into a large number of ticks.

For more information on tick-borne diseases in Georgia, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

 

Text Alternative for 'Be Prepared" Graphic

Infographic with text reading “Be Prepared!!” An image of storm cloud with lightning bolt with text “Weather conditions can change rapidly, Watch for afternoon storms and get under cover if you see lightning or hear thunder”; an image of the sun with rays surrounding with text “It’s hot outside! Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, know your limits, wear sunscreen and light colored clothing.” An image of a picnic table with text “There are no stores, restaurants, or services on the island. Make sure you bring your lunch and water bottle.” An image of a water bottle with water inside with text” Treated water is available on the Southend of the island (Sea Camp and Dungeness).” Image of symbol with a glass filled with water with text “Look for this symbol on your map to find the treated water sources.” Image of person disposing of trash in a trash can with text “Pack out what you pack in! There are no trash cans on Cumberland Island. Trash cans are available at the ferry dock in St. Marys.” Image of a lifeguard chair with text “ Swim at your own risk! There are no lifeguards on the island. Know the rip current risk before swimming.” Image of a tick with eight legs and dot on its back with text “ Be prepared for biting creatures: sand gnats, mosquitoes and ticks. Use bug spray and check for ticks.” Image of a park ranger waiving and distanced from an image of a horse, with text “Let the wildlife be wild. Please do not touch or feed any wildlife. Maintain a safe distance from all animals on the island.” Text reading “In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 and tell the operator you are on Cumberland Island. Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.”