Jellyfish invasion

These past years our seas have seen a consistent increase in jellyfish, but this year the amount is alarming. I am a keen scuba diver and dive all year round.

Throughout the winter months I noticed clouds of very tiny jellyfish which have now probably grown to a fairly large size. In winter, when the sea was colder, there were already many adult-size jellyfish, most of which were drifting in the five to 10-metre depth band. Now that the sea surface is much warmer, the majority are drifting closer to the surface.

While in previous years, the sporadic encounter with a jellyfish was a nasty one, this year their density promises a certain brush against their stinging tentacles. In the space of a few square meters at the surface, especially in a bay, one may encounter dozens. If a swimmer is trapped amid a shoal of jellyfish and is repeatedly stung, the swimmer may panic and drown.

Swimmers and especially young children should wear small swimming goggles to protect their eyes. Wearing a T-shirt, besides protecting from the sun, will also reduce the chance of a sting. Here are some first aid tips which I have downloaded from http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Jellyfish#Cuisine

"Inactivating the nematocysts, or stinging cells, prevents further injection of venom into the patient. Five per cent acetic acid solution (white vinegar) is the preferred method, although meat tenderiser, or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will neutralise any nematocysts that have not yet discharged into the skin. Meat tenderiser should not be left on the skin for more than 15 minutes, and none of these substances should be used in the eyes.

"Once deactivated, the stinging cells must be removed. This can be accomplished by picking off tentacles left on the body. First aiders should be careful to use gloves or another readily available barrier device to prevent personal injury. After large pieces of the jellyfish are removed, shaving cream may be applied to the area and a knife edge, safety razor, or credit card may be used to take away any remaining nematocysts.

"Do not... Rinse the sting site with fresh water, rub the wound, or use alcohol, spirits, ammonia, or urine as these will encourage the release of venom.

"Did you know that more people die from jellyfish stings then shark bites every year?

"Keeping the injured site warm will reduce pain. Applying shaving foam on the injured site will help to inactivate the stinging cells. Do not ...apply ice packs." 

Recently I had an encounter with three jellyfish in the space of a few metres. Two hit me in the face and one on my hand. I used the foam and razor method and three hours later there was no pain and hardly any swelling.

If you are swimming and feel a sudden stinging pain, keep your head out of the water and gently swim to shore. Do not make fast hand and foot movements while remaining in the same spot in an attempt to flush the jellyfish away as this will increase the possibility of the same jellyfish hitting you in more than one place.

When stung in the eyes, mouth or have severe allergic reactions - seek immediate medical assistance, especially if you see swelling of the throat or have breathing problems.