If you've already been stung by a jellyfish, you need to treat the injury immediately. However, you can easily avoid getting stung by these animals by educating yourself about the risks and taking the right precautions, on the beach and in the water. If you follow the correct procedures, you shouldn't go to the point of ruining a day at the beach with these interesting creatures.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing Safe Beaches
Step 1. Avoid areas populated by jellyfish
If you can, don't swim and don't spend time on the shore in areas that are notoriously infested. Choosing a low-risk area is undoubtedly the easiest way to reduce the chances of getting stung.
You can inquire with lifeguards, lifeguards or local residents to know for sure whether a particular area is infested or not. Also, learn about the most commonly found species, if any, and how to treat stings
Step 2. Know the risk conditions
Jellyfish can come close to the shore in strong winds and even in large numbers; therefore, try to avoid entering the water under these circumstances.
Step 3. Pay attention to the warning signs
If you see a sign warning of the danger of jellyfish, it means that they have been spotted by competent personnel. In areas where these animals are a constant risk, you can see permanent signs. If you find yourself in one of these areas, swim very cautiously or give up altogether.
Step 4. Look around for purple flags
On many beaches, lifeguards display this flag during times when jellyfish or other dangerous marine animals are present. If you see one waving, it means you have to stay out of the water to avoid getting stung.
Part 2 of 3: Wear protective clothing
Step 1. Wear footwear when walking on the beach
It may be very difficult to see jellyfish and their tentacles on the water's edge; know that, even when dragged ashore, they continue to be poisonous for a long time. If you wear shoes with a rubber sole when on the beach, you avoid accidentally stepping on them and hurting yourself.
Step 2. Apply protective lotions
Some people claim that a protective emulsion like Sauber's MEDUsafe can protect against jellyfish stings. Applying one of these products before entering the water can be a good additional precaution.
Look for these products at drugstores and specialty stores that sell diving and beach equipment
Step 3. Put on a wetsuit
If you want to spend a lot of time in the water or dive in deep water, you should wear protection that offers more coverage. The thick material of the suit and the fact that it covers a larger body surface makes this garment an effective barrier against jellyfish stings.
- Clothing covered with a layer of petroleum jelly or other similar substances does not reliably protect against jellyfish stings.
- Some shops that sell diving equipment also have special "jellyfish suits" that you can wear as a preventative measure.
- Even if you are wearing a wetsuit, you should in any case be very careful, as it can happen to be stung even through the neoprene suits.
Part 3 of 3: Staying Safe on Shore and in the Water
Step 1. Do not touch the jellyfish that have been washed ashore
Even if they are dead, their poisonous cells can still cause irritation. Some varieties have very long tentacles (like the Portuguese caravel which has tentacles up to 15 meters long), so it is best to stay away from them.
- There are many types of jellyfish with different shapes and, when dragged onto the beach, they can look like plastic bags or other scraps. If you are not sure what it is, do not touch any objects on the water's edge.
- If you notice the presence of a jellyfish on the beach, report it to the lifeguard or other lifeguard so that it can be safely removed by competent personnel.
Step 2. Always swim near a lifeguard
They are trained and trained professionals to help swimmers in a variety of circumstances, including jellyfish attacks. In addition, they are able to spot them and warn them promptly.
Step 3. Move it away
If you move and shake your feet when walking in shallow water, you can disturb and drive away jellyfish or other creatures that can potentially sting or injure you in some way.
Step 4. Get out of the water immediately if you see or suspect there is a jellyfish
you see one, keep calm, but quickly return to shore to avoid getting stung.
