Stung by a jellyfish and need to know what to do? Tips on how treat stings
Warmer weather means blooming flowers, outdoor activities and spending time on the California coast. That means sharing the coastal outdoors with jellyfish. With jellyfish season upon us, coasts around the state have seen an influx of the creatures near the shore.
The Sacramento Bee gathered information on what kinds of jellyfish you can be found on the coast, whether their sting is harmful to humans and what to do if you get stung.
Here’s what to know:
When is jellyfish season in California?
Jellyfish can be seen along California’s coasts throughout the year, but they are particularly visible during late spring and early summer when upwellings bring cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, according to Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Swimmers and surfers are encouraged to stay alert during the warmer months in order to avoid jellyfish stings.
What are distinctive jellyfish on the California coastline?
There are five distinct types of jellyfish that appear along California’s coastlines according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Canning Properties and San Diego Surf School.
- Pacific Sea Nettle are “one of the most iconic jellyfish,” due to their reddish-orange bell and long, trailing tentacles, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. These jellyfish are commonly seen in the open ocean but can drift closer to shore on occasion. Pacific Sea Nettle can deliver a painful sting to humans.
- Moon Jellies are translucent with a purplish hue that are found up and down the coast. These jellies tend to drift in calm and shallow waters. Moon jellies have a mild sting that usually doesn’t harm humans.
- Lion’s Mane have orange tentacles and large, frilled bells. They are more common in colder northern waters. Their sting is painful but is rarely dangerous to humans.
- Egg Yolk are pale yellow with long, flowing tentacles. They are considered “gentle giants” and often drift near the water’s surface. These jellies have a weak sting, making them less threatening to humans.
- Purple-striped are large silvery white with deep purple bands. They often appear near the shores of San Diego and Monterey. Though their sting isn’t fatal it can still be painful to humans.
- Velella Velella (By-the-Wind-Sailors) are not true jellyfish but are related to jellyfish and sea anemones. These creatures are small, squelchy electric blue and float along the ocean surface in large groups. They are harmless to humans, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What to do if you get stung by a jellyfish
There are many myths about jellyfish stings and the proper way to care for stings. The Bee gathered information published by the Cleveland Clinic on what to do if you accidentally brush by one or step on one.
- Get out of the water and stay calm. If you are stung by a jellyfish, the first step is to calmly get on shore as carefully as you can to prevent further stings.
- Rinse with seawater. Rinse the affected area with seawater and avoid using freshwater, it can trigger the release of more venom from jellyfish’s stingers.
- Remove the tentacles. Use tweezers or gloved hands to carefully remove any tentacles still on your skin. Avoid further contact with the tentacles, as this can spread the venom.
- Apply vinegar to the area. Vinegar or rubbing alcohol can help neutralize the sting and reduce pain and inflammation. You can also put calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on a sting.
- Seek medical attention. While most jellyfish stings are not life-threatening, some people may have allergic reactions. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling, or intense pain, seek medical attention immediately.
