PANJIM: Lifeguard agency Drishti, on Saturday advised people not to venture into the sea along the South coastal belt, after it spotted jellyfish along the shore of Baina-Betalbatim-Velsao beach stretch that had washed ashore on November 3.
They then alerted the Tourism Department about the same and cautioned visitors to the beach to stay alert and safe. “The lifeguard agency advises locals as well as the tourists not to venture into the sea along the South Goa coastal stretch as the jellyfish could possibly be present in the waters or along the shoreline,” the advisory issued by the agency states.
Jellyfish are of two kinds – toxic and non-toxic. While most jellyfish stings are harmless to humans and cause only a mild irritation, in rare cases jellyfish species are venomous and can cause harm on contact.
The agency has issued first aid precautions asking persons encountering jellyfish to inform the lifeguard, wash the stung area with hot water (as hot as you can stand it) as heat further breaks down the toxins. Generously spray the stung area with vinegar as it is known to diffuse any poison that may be more active. Place ice packs on the stung area to reduce the pain and swelling. In case of chest pain and breathing difficulty, the person should visit the doctor.
