How can i stay safe swimming in the ocean?

Im at south padre in the gulf of mexico, and we haven't seen any jelly fish or rays, or even fish, the water looks practically clear!!! However, there have been serious rip tides. I'm sooo scared of getting hurt by a jellyfish or a stingray or even a shark, but my whole family isn't! I can't go farther than up to my knees in the ocean or i flip out!!!! I want to be able to swim to the sandbar, and im a strong swimmer but im so scared! What should i do to feel safe and stay safe??