As summer crowds flock to the Southern California coastline, lifeguards have reported a sharp rise in stinging injuries, particularly at Seal Beach.
According to Seal Beach Marine Safety Chief Joe Bailey, lifeguards usually deal with one stab wound per day. However, recently, that number has risen to around 12 cases every day, with some days reaching as many as 20 cases, he says.
Stingrays are bottom residents that often stab when intervening.
Chip Yost of Ktla spoke with Cash Kovaleff, a Seal Beach visitor. CashKovaleff described the sensation as more intense than a bee sting wound, followed by tingling and discomfort that calms down only after soaking the wound in hot water.
Frequent beach fans like Michael Press Jr. have removed Stingray Barb as a souvenir.
To prevent such injuries, Bailey recommends the “Stingray Shuffle.” This is a technique in which individuals limp along the sand of the ocean to scare nearby Stingrays.
Bare beach fans are advised to warn their lifeguards immediately. Most lifeguard towers are equipped with treatment kits that include hot water baths, the main method used to relieve hot water bottles and reduce the effects of venom.
Water must be as hot as an individual can safely withstand, and wounds should be monitored for signs of infection or complications.
Lifeguard continues to encourage the public to remain aware and to take simple safety precautions to avoid painful encounters with Stintray.
Source link