The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.
Swimming with manatees is an experience of a lifetime.
I’ve had the opportunity to swim with dolphins in the past while celebrating my mother’s “29th birthday” at Discovery Cove and the old SeaWorld Adventure Park Cleveland (where we were actually helped “train” the dolphins that now call Discovery Cove home).
This experience is nothing like that.
First, there is no telling if the manatee will even be in the spring. What’s good for them is not so good for us. They love it cold. The colder the air temperature, the better the chances you’ll be swimming with sea cows. The colder the air temperature, the better the chances you’ll be freezing, so pack extra sweatshirts.
Captain Bob Mickey told me there have been occasions where the temperature has been so low, and the number of manatee so high, he had to be extra careful when dropping anchor.
Second, you’re free to swim wherever you want. There are no guides limiting how long or where you roam. However, there are “sanctuaries” marked by buoys. These areas along the lagoon edge are havens for manatees only. Boaters, kayakers, floaters and swimmers are forbidden to follow sea cows into these areas.
Slide in and get started. And be ready for a shock. The water is always a “balmy” 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Growing up on Lake Erie, I have dived in as late as Thanksgiving and as early as Easter. I found the 72 degree waters here to be frigid to say the least. I quickly found myself breathing very hard. But within five minutes, my body had regulated its temperature (like a cold blooded animal) and I became comfortable.
I found myself very timid at first. The average manatee weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. And although the term “sea cow” sounds slow and lethargic, these creatures can move. On our way to the lagoon, Captain Bob pointed out one manatee swimming under the surface. The speed and wake of the water looked like a torpedo just under the water’s surface.
I shied away at first. Their massive tails could really do some damage. Therefore, I stayed in front and to the side of the manatees, so they could see me. And did they! Within a few moments, I had made some new friends by following the rules set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Stay on the surface.
Don't approach manatees. Let them approach you.
Do not ride a manatee.
Do not give a manatee food or water.
Do not chase the manatees.
Do not poke or surround the manatees.
Stay out of the manatee sanctuaries.
Never separate a mother from her calf.
Many manatees swam past me as if I were just another fish. Since the Endangered Species Act allows bathers to touch a sea cow with one hand only, I reached out and stroked my manatee. I don’t know why, but I expected it to feel like a dolphin. Since they are both sea mammals and gray in color, it made since to me. Not the case. Dolphins feel like a wet, inflatable raft. Manatee feel like a wet, moss covered sidewalk. Portions of their backs have vegetation on them, while other spots are covered in dirt, since they do rest on the bottom from time to time. While other patches are exposed and feel like an elephant.
Finding the manatee is not hard. They come up for air every three to five minutes. And when they do, you can hear a sound that is reminiscent of a bicycle air pump.
After spending an hour in the water, I climbed back aboard chilled, but refreshed. This is one Florida on a Tankful where I departed with more respect for the manatee and the laws that allow us to visit them in their natural environment.
Until next week, safe travels!
-SCOTT
Scott Fais grew up spending summers on the water. Occasionally, he would dare his mother into swimming in Lake Erie well after the season ended. Know of another great "watering hole" the whole family can enjoy? Cast him a line atsfais@cfnews13.comand be sure to send photos.
[Blog Postscript: For new readers to this forum, welcome. The Road Log is where I share more of our weekly travel experiences. Our time on television is limited (only 1:30, and if I am really lucky, two minutes a week). Therefore, extra behind-the-scenes events are traditionally offered here.
I can assure all viewers, readers and animal lovers, no animals were hurt, harmed or harassed during the production of this story. The tour operator, River Safaris & Gulf Charters, Inc., acted within the guidelines set forth by the Endangered Species Act. Plus, we were under constant supervision of volunteers in kayaks, who kept their eyes on us, ensuring we did not put any stress on these amazing creatures. Swimming, touching and observing manatees in their environment may be a point of contention with some folks. However, by sharing these stories and encounters above with our audience, one can only gain a better appreciation for the wildlife unique to the Sunshine State.
In addition, if you plan on observing the Florida Manatee in the water, please visit the Save the Manatee Club Web site for safety tips.
For more information on the Florida manatee, visit the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.]