Jersey Shore

Yesterday, we had a YSA activity at the Island Beach State Park. Jayme, Lisa and I wanted to go early to just relax and enjoy the beach. We got there around 11:30 but it closed because it was full. So, we went to Seaside Beach until 2 (when the activity started and the park opens again). I enjoy swimming in pools... or where the water is clear! I did go swimming, but I'm always nervous! We went to Island Beach State Park and helped set up. Let me tell ya, the walk from the parking lot to the beach is through sand dunes and is not fun! After we were done setting up, Jayme and I decided to go swimming. We were out in the water, I'm jumpy as it is, and about 4 or 5 creatures are swimming 2 feet away from us! I scream SHARK and we got out of the water! Jayme didn't believe me that they looked like stingrays. She only saw something a little pinkish and thought I was crazy! So, while I was on shore, I was telling this kid about them and we looked out and, every once in a while, you could see them swimming! We continues swimming and eventually I asked a guy what they were. He said, he thinks they're skates which are in the stingray family. He wasn't sure and was definitely going to look it up. Today, I called the park to get an answer, the first lady didn't know so I asked for the nature center's number. The guy there informed me that they are indeed skates and they are harmless. The skate is related to sharks and rays. It can range in size from one to three feet. Its flat body is white underneath, and its top colors vary from light brown to dark brown with black, roundish spots or bars. The skate is commonly found near shore in the summer, and you may see them riding the waves from the beach. Their skin is rough and prickly, but the thorny tail does not have a stinger like their ray cousins.