Post, don’t ban, swimming in canal
To the editor:
Monday, July 12, a young man of 18 years tragically had his left hand bitten off by an 11-foot-2 inch alligator. He was swimming in the Golden Gate Estates Canal in Collier County at around 9:30 p.m. with three friends. Fortunately, he was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital and is listed in good condition. Even though the alligator was captured and the hand removed, it could not be re-attached.
Though The Florida Wildlife Commission have advised people to stay out of the freshwater canals and lakes at this time of year, many still use them for recreational swimming. However, bear in mind that alligators are most active at dawn and dusk for feeding.
This same canal has been dubbed “The Crystal” by the locals who has used it for swimming for the past 20 years. About 75 people were swimming there Sunday, the day before the occurrence. They said nothing like this had ever happened before in this area.
It would be a good idea to post a sign warning people of the dangers and how to avoid them, but there is talk of a proposed ban on swimming there. Most adults can read today and certainly should be capable of making an informed decision as to their actions. Why would we consider resorting to a ban? Isn’t this the type recreation that Floridians have enjoyed for years? Why should a few make the decisions for many?
Mary West
Cape Coral