Known as the stingray, these flat, gray creatures that camouflage themselves to the ocean floor, can pack a powerful punch.
When people think about these sea creatures, most often the first thing that comes to mind is their infamous barbed tails equipped with venomous, razor-sharp blades.
Wary of the blades that may swipe at their legs and feet, some beachgoers find themselves nervous about what awaits them on the ocean floor but there are a few ways that you can ease your mind before your next trip to the beach.
How Many Stingray Attacks Happen in the US?
Stingrays are responsible for 1,500-2,000 injuries to beachgoers and fishermen every year in the United States with stings resulting in death being fewer than 20 worldwide. Though the numbers are daunting, to say the least, it should be noted that stingrays are typically more reserved and only attack if they feel threatened or are accidentally stepped on.
Where do Stingray Attacks happen the most?
Most stingray attacks happen during the summer months in tropical, warmer waters where there are larger groups of people.
Specific areas are California and Florida. Seal Beach, California has reported the greatest amount of stingray attacks on the California coast and Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach and Destin are all locations in Florida that have had numerous incidents as well.
What are the symptoms of getting stung by a stingray?
If you get stung by a stingray you will know immediately. The first symptom is severe pain as soon as the incident occurs. This pain could spread from the sting site and reach its highest intensity in less than 90 minutes with the pain lasting anywhere from hours to days and in some cases weeks.
The wound left behind by a stingray will be jagged, bleeding freely, swollen and discolored. Following the initial symptoms others such as sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, respiratory distress and anxiety may follow.
What To Do If You Get Stung by a Stingray?
If you have found yourself in a spell of bad luck and you have been stung start by exiting the water immediately to avoid any more contact with the stingray and follow these steps:
Remove debris: Remove any debris or leftover fragments from the stingray’s tail from the wound to avoid infection.
Rinse the site: Rinsing the wound off with seawater can help remove any blood or leftover debris from the area. It’s extremely important that the area is as clean as possible.
Soak it: Soaking the sting in hot water, 104 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit is best, for about an hour can help to remove any venom and reduce the discomfort you may be feeling.
Elevation is key: Try your best to keep the limb that has been affected elevated to prevent further swelling.
Seek medical attention: Even if you follow all of the steps previously mentioned and your pain is subsiding, it is still in your best interest to head to a medical professional for further care instructions and to see if any prescriptions will be needed.
How to Protect Yourself From a Stingray
Remember that stingrays are not purposely going out of their way to sting beachgoers. Because of this, there are ways that you can significantly reduce your chances of having a run-in with their dangerous barbs.
Take note of flags: Some beaches will have warning flags up by the lifeguard stations to warn those heading into the water. In the case of stingrays, the flag will be purple.
Observe the waves and temperature: Generally, you will find more stingrays in shallow waters where the waves run small and the water is warmer. If you’re heading out to the deeper water, it’s hard to avoid passing through this section of the water which leads me to the next tip.
The stingray shuffle: The stingray shuffle is done by shuffling your feet along the bottom of the sand without lifting your feet as you move forward through the water. Stingrays can sense the vibration of this movement and it will warn them that you are approaching, giving them time to leave the area.
For those who are fishing and happen to get a stingray on the line or in your net, do not try to untangle it. Simply cut the line or net to avoid getting the tail end of the stingrays thrashing. Replacing a net or a line is far less of a pain than a barb to the hand or arm.
The Bottom Line: Stingray Attack
If you’re teetering on the edge trying to decide if you should head out into the water on your next trip to the beach, don’t be swayed by the idea of a stingray beneath you. They aren’t seeking you out to inflict a sting, they are just startled. Stingray shuffle your way out to the deeper waters and keep these tips in mind on the off chance that an incident does occur.
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