Beware of Jellyfish Attacks While Swimming
We’ve talked about shark attacks before, but let’s talk about a far more likely danger: jellyfish attacks!
The truth is, you’re far more likely to see jellyfish than sharks at your local beach. Unfortunately, jellyfish attacks don’t make for as good of a great movie concept. That said, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. As you’ll learn, the sting of a jellyfish can actually be quite dangerous.
What Are Jellyfish?
If you’ve been to a beach, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of these blob-like creatures bobbing up and down in the water. Believe it or not, jellyfish have been around for millions of years. They’re one of the oldest survivors on planet earth. To that end, we should show them respect. Even though they might not seem too dangerous, jellyfish attacks can be quite serious. A sting results in a powerful venom being released into the victim’s skin. The thousands of nematocysts released via the attack can be quite painful. Depending on the size and type of the jellyfish, these stings can range from irritating to deadly. They can also easily incapacitate a victim, leading to potential drowning danger.How Can I Avoid Jellyfish Attacks?
When it comes to jellyfish attacks, the best offense is a great defense. In this case, a great defense means “stay away from the jellyfish!” It’s true, it’s best to simply steer clear of these creatures while you’re in the water. Be sure to take a look before hopping into the water. If you are at the beach, ask the lifeguard if there have been any jellyfish attacks or sightings lately. This will help to keep you prepared. After all, the number-one rule for staying safe at the beach is to only swim in lifeguard-protected waters. A trained lifeguard will be able to keep a close eye on all swimmers. These sea creatures have survived for eons. That’s a fact worth respecting when it comes to your physical safety. Additionally, a dead jellyfish can be just as dangerous as a live one. You can still be stung. Nature is mysterious. On the whole, it’s best to give these odd blobs a wide berth. For parents, active supervision can save your child’s life. Keep a close eye on the little ones at all times.Be Prepared
When you are heading to the beach, it pays to think ahead. Jellyfish can always be a possibility, so pack some first aid items. In this case, we recommend bringing a small bottle of vinegar and some tweezers. We’ll discuss how to use these items in the next section.Oh No! I’ve Been Stung!
Okay, the worst has happened: you’ve fallen victim to jellyfish attacks! What do you do now? The first thing to remember is to stay calm. Do not under any circumstances try to scrape the stingers off your wounded skin. That will likely only make things worse. The smartest play is to head to shore immediately. First, rinse the affected area with clear water. Look for a bathroom or beach shower. You don’t want to use saltwater for this. Do not rub the water into the wound. Just gently rinse. Next, once you are back by your beach towel, you should see your vinegar and tweezers. It’s time to get to work. First, the vinegar works by interacting with the nematocysts. It prevents them from injecting venom into your skin. First rinse the area with vinegar. Next, use your tweezers to remove the stingers. Once the wound is cleaned, don’t relax yet. You always need to determine the severity of jellyfish attacks.Severe Jellyfish Attacks May Cause These Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Intense pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness, muscle spasms or headaches
