Jelly Fish

Many different species drift to our shores. Most of them do sting. The “Common Brown” is usually most often the culprit in jelly stings. Rule of Thumb: The more Colorful the Jelly Fish, the more Painful the Sting.

Although Portuguese Man-O-War are not classified as a Jelly Fish (they are a polyp), they are still fairly common in the area. Portuguese stings are more intense than jelly fish.

“Seek immediate medical treatment if the person stung has:

-Difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or intense pain at the site of the sting.

-if the person has been stung in the mouth or placed tentacles in their mouth and are having voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the tongue or lips.

-if the sting happened to someone who is very young or old.

-if the sting involves a large area of the body, the face, or genitals.

-If the patient continues to have itching, redness, pain, swelling of the skin around the sting, see a doctor.”

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/jellyfish_stings/page3_em.htm

Sting Rays

Sting Rays do not enjoy rough surf, but on calm days they can be found close to shore. There are always sting rays in Santa Rosa Sound. Sting Ray strikes are only a defense mechanism so the best way to not get stung is to shuffle your feet.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR ALL STING RAY INJURIES.