Surprise Attack 

 in the Surf 



BY NANCY DAVIS 



Just when you thought it was safe to go back 

 in the water. . .you find out Jaws aren't the only 

 thing to fear. 



Why, you could be stung by a jellyfish, 

 whipped by a Portuguese man-of-war, even 

 stabbed by a stingray. 



None of the creatures are man-eating, and for- 

 tunately for you, they won't attack. 



But an unexpected brush with one of them is 

 enough to put a damper on anyone's day at the 

 beach. 



That's why it's important to be familiar with 

 some simple first aid, says dermatologist John 

 Cheesborough. 



Many of the pains of beachgoers can be 

 treated in the cottage with a few items you bring 

 from home. Be sure to pack an antihistamine, 

 rubbing alcohol, bandages, an antiseptic oint- 

 ment or cream, tweezers and meat tenderizer. 



Not everyone reacts the same to stings, 

 Cheesborough says. Small children and older 

 people are often most susceptible. If a victim's 

 reaction is severe or if he shows signs of shock, 

 take him to a doctor immediately. 



One of the most common ailments for beach- 

 goers results from the sting of a jellyfish or Por- 

 tuguese man-of-war. 



Although the sting of a sea wasp, a jellyfish 

 common in Australian waters, can kill in minutes, 

 the jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war here will 

 do little more than ruin a swim. 



Jellyfish propel themselves through the water 

 with pulsating movements of their umbrella-like 



bodies. But they won't intentionally swim toward 

 you. 



The Portuguese man-of-war resembles the 

 jellyfish, but is more translucent. It floats on top of 

 the water, moving with the currents and breeze. 



The tentacles of Portuguese men-of-war may 

 be as long as 75 to 100 feet. They can inflict a 

 nasty sting even after they've been severed from 

 the body. Cheesborough says the stinging cells 

 may remain viable for three weeks or longer. 



If you have an encounter with a jellyfish or 

 man-of-war, chances are you may not even see 

 what got you. The only evidence may be a long 

 streak or series of streaks on your body. 



The symptoms of jellyfish and man-of-war 

 stings vary from mild itching and burning to 

 shortness of breath and fainting. 



Your first reaction will be to brush the sting off 

 or rinse it with fresh water as quickly as you can. 



Don't do either. 



Instead of relieving the pain, this will "fire off" 

 the toxin, Cheesborough says, making it even 

 worse. And you'll get the stinging cells in your 

 hand as well. 



Instead, sprinkle meat tenderizer on the 

 streaks. It contains an enzyme that helps detoxify 

 the stinging cells. 



Or try alcohol. Any kind will do— rubbing 

 alcohol, liquor, even products with alcohol in 

 them, such as shaving cream. 



Other remedies include warm salt water 

 rubbed on very gently. Talcum powder can be 

 sprinkled on the sting, then gently rubbed off. 

 Some of the stinging cells will cling to the 

 powder. 



Even wading in the water can be risky and 

 may produce some sharp consequences. The 

 camouflaged bodies of sting rays often lay flat- 

 tened against the sand in shallow waters. 



They aren't aggressive, but their stingers pack 

 a powerful punch. If you happen to disturb the 

 ray, it erects its spine, complete with venomous 

 cells, and it drives it into your body. 



Once the spear enters your skin, it begins to 

 spread the venom. Swelling around the puncture 

 may be intense for two to three hours. 



But the worst danger, Cheesborough says, is 

 secondary infection. The best treatment is to 

 remove the spine as soon as possible. Apply 

 heat— as hot as you can stand it— to the wound 



