MAPUSA
Over 90 cases of jellyfish stings have been reported along different coastal stretches in the State since Wednesday.
According to reports, Drishti lifesavers posted along the beach were inundated with first aid cases related to jellyfish stings.
Over the past two days, over 55 cases were reported along the Calangute-Baga beach and 10 cases along the Candolim-Sinquerim beach stretch. South Goa reported over 25 cases of jellyfish related accidents requiring immediate first aid.
In one particular incident, a man who went parasailing in Baga developed chest pain and experienced breathing difficulty after being stung by a jellyfish.
As he was short of breath, oxygen was administered while an ambulance was called for and the victim was rushed to the hospital.
As crowd density along the beach is increasing with the number of tourists entering the State, constant announcements are being made by lifesavers to warn beachgoers about the jellyfish in the waters.
According to Drishti Marine, Jellyfish are of two kinds, toxic and non-toxic. While most jellyfish stings are harmless to humans and cause only mild irritation, in very rare cases jellyfish species can cause harm on contact.
Drishti Marine has advised immediate first aid precautions that should be taken in case a person comes in contact with the jellyfish.
If stung by a jellyfish, the victim needs to inform the nearest lifesaver or approach the lifesaver tower. The victim is advised to wash the stung area with hot water (as hot as the victim can stand it) as heat further breaks down the toxins.
Generously spraying the stung area with vinegar is known to diffuse any poison that may be more active in the nematocysts present in the tentacles. Place ice packs on the stung area to reduce the pain and swelling.
In case of chest pain and breathing difficulty, the victim must visit a doctor immediately.
Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional water rescue and lifesaver agency, advises locals and tourists to be cautious of the presence of jellyfish that could be present in the waters or along the shoreline.
