Lionfish

It's definitely not a good idea to swim in the ocean at dusk or dark! I live on the Gulf and we see sharks all the time. I almost stepped on a two and a half foot bull shark walking back to shore in the water in NW Florida. Scared the CRAP out of me! A second I saw it, a wave hit me and I jumped and luckily it carried me far away....to the shore! LOL! Of course, what do I do? I yell out, "Shark!" and a bunch of guys (my husband included!) started to follow it. When he finally came back, I had to ask him what the heck he was thinking to follow a SHARK. So truthfully, I trust the Jamaican waters more than I do here at home.

I've been around lionfish while I scuba dive in Negril. No worries.....they stay away. I've gotten real close....within a foot and never had a problem. Many places are now having fishing tournaments to help get the numbers out of control. They are good eating too! I can't remember the name of the roadside chef on the cliffs who can properly prepare it for you. Ask Bnewb. She was with me when I spoke with the man.

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Wonderful photographs Mr. Twister!!

Jamaica Joleen. The photos are great but I can not take credit for taking them. They were actually taken in Montego Bay at a tournament.

I did take these photos at about 35 feet under the water. I was not using a zoom. As you can see.....I was about 1 foot from the lionfish.

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Originally Posted by Rum-polephoreskin

There are countless things to fear in the water.
So much so that you could talk yourself out of ever going in, but don't.
Walking the streets of Negril is far more dangerous than going in the water and not nearly as pleasurable. (I'm referring to traffic not anything else.)

Lionfish (because of their poisoness spines) move much slower than most fish.
While they will defend their territory they're not going to pursue you.
Simply stay away from them and you'll be safe.
If you want to swim in the sea get some relatively inexpensive competitive style swim goggles (they only cover your eyes-unlike a mask).
This will allow you to see what you may be swimming into (like jellyfish) and they'll protect your eyes from the sting of salt water.

Enjoy the water!

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HMMMM...goggles....good idea!

Here is one more of me making friends. I would suggest you don't try this.

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My hands started sweating just looking at the photos. Really.

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Originally Posted by Jamaica Joleen

My hands started sweating just looking at the photos. Really.

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Me too!!! :eek:

LOL.....most sea creatures are like people. If you treat them with respect they wont bite.

Mr Twister!
I want to be like you when I grow up!!! lol
Seriously I am thinking I definitely need to join you next time, I think I could die happy if I had a photo of me petting a shark's belly :)