Goa’s lifeguard agency issued an advisory Thursday after more than 90 cases of jellyfish stings were reported on the state’s beaches, forcing lifeguards to administer first aid to bathers over the past two days.
In a statement released Thursday, Drishti Marine, a private lifeguard agency contracted by the Goa government to care for the state’s popular beaches, urged tourists and beachgoers to exercise caution when surfing, especially near the shoreline.
“More than 90 cases of jellyfish stings were reported along the coast between yesterday and today. Drishti lifeguards stationed along the beach were inundated with first aid cases related to jellyfish stings,” the statement said. , adding that the majority of cases, 65, were reported during the last 48 hours occurred along the popular stretch of Baga-Sinquerim beach, while 25 cases were reported along beaches in the South Goa district.
“In one particular incident that occurred in Baga, a man who was parasailing developed chest pain and experienced shortness of breath after being stung by a jellyfish. As he was short of breath, he was administered oxygen while an ambulance was called and the victim was rushed to the hospital, “the statement said.
Jellyfish stings are usually harmless to humans and may cause only mild irritation, but in rare cases, a sting from a toxic jellyfish might require medical attention.
In the wake of the spate of jellyfish attacks, Drishti Marine has advised tourists to “beware of jellyfish that could possibly be present in the waters or on the shoreline.
“If you are stung by a jellyfish, inform the nearest lifeguard or go to the lifeguard tower. Wash the sting area with hot water (as hot as you can take) as the heat further breaks down the toxins. Spray the Sting area with vinegar. Known for diffusing any poisons that may be more active in nematocysts present in the tentacles, “the statement said, adding that applying ice packs can also reduce pain and swelling.
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