Bites in the Water

Practicalities Health Other Possible Problems Bites in the Water 

Fish

Weever and other fish can administer nasty stings, weevers for example from poison in a dorsal fin which is left standing when the fish lies half buried in sand. The sting is reported excruciating.

Measure to Avoid/Alleviate:

• Wear beach shoes/sandals/jellies when walking in water on the beach.


• Fish venom is alleviated by water as hot as the sufferer can bear but it is possible given the levels of pain, to scald, particularly a child, without knowing it.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish may be encountered at a number of destinations, including the Mediterranean where, although painful, at least the stings are not deadly, as is the case off northern Australia and in the Indo-Pacific where box jellyfish is extremely dangerous.

Measures to Avoid/Alleviate:

• Sounds obvious but, if you see jellyfish in the water, don't swim.


• Pieces of tentacles can apparently remain attached to the skin so you need to remove any still on.


• Avoid suntain lotion or anything with alcohol in it as this will only make the pain worse.


• Ice or a cold pack generally relieves the pain.


• Further recommended treatment depends on the type of jellyfish with half and half baking soda in water recommended for the ones found in the Atlantic but vinegar for those found in Australia and Indo-Pacific. If in doubt ask a knowledgeable local such as a pharmacist.