Water snake at sherman island

[shaymus]

I was kiting this morning at Sherman Island and fell off my board. While I was busy getting going again, I noticed a long think black and striped snake next to my shoulder. I first thought it was the webbing strap to unzip my wetsuit, then realized it was a snake swimming in the water. I'm not sure if it was harmless or not, but it freaked me out and I splashed at it and then got out of there as soon as I could.

It was about 1/4 mile directly upwind and a little left of the kite launch area. The snake was about 1/2" diameter, and looked about a foot and a half long. It was black and had a stripe or two down the length of the body, and I think the stripes were red or yellow.

Anyone see these up there? I have been kiting there for a while and this was the first snake I've seen out in the water. I guess bottom line - are they dangerous?

[Yoda]

Sounds like a Gartersnake. They are usually found in or around water and are not aggressive nor poisonous.

Pick which one...
http://www.californiaherps.com/identifi ... nakes.html

[sloughslut]

i have seen many garter snakes swimming over the years and on the levee road, There harmless.