Paddling in this area brings people close to abundant wildlife and carries a responsibility not to disturb animals or change their normal behavior. Boaters should stay far enough from birds that they do not have to fly away, avoid forcing swimming animals into shallow water or following them into creeks, and leave turtles and alligators undisturbed while they warm themselves in the sun. Wildlife should be observed with binoculars or telephoto lenses, not touched or fed, and plants should not be picked because they are part of the natural food chain. Fishing line, hooks, and lures should always be retrieved because litter and broken line in trees or water endanger wildlife. Boating safety includes telling someone your destination and expected return time, checking safety equipment, carrying a cell phone or VHF radio, watching for changing weather, avoiding overloading the boat, and having children under 6 wear life jackets, with adults also advised to wear them. In shallow areas, boaters should be alert for manatees feeding on seagrass, wear polarized sunglasses, obey posted speed limits, watch for ripples, snouts, or tail swirls, and never approach or chase manatees while swimming, diving, or boating. If a bird is accidentally hooked while fishing, it should be reeled in gently, calmed by covering its head with a towel, and the hook removed only if that can be done without harming the bird; cutting the line and leaving the hook is warned against as deadly.