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TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — As beachgoers enjoy the summer season in Tybee Island and other local beaches, lifeguards are reminding visitors how to respond if stung by a jellyfish.
In a recent Facebook post, Tybee Island Ocean Rescue (TIOR) shared some advice for treating jellyfish stings on the beach. While stings can be painful, TIOR says they are rarely life-threatening and can usually be treated with basic first aid.
“If you get stung, remain calm,” the post reads. “Most stings are not a medical emergency and can be treated right on the beach.”
Common symptoms include pain, redness, stinging, itching, and a burning sensation. Lifeguards recommend rinsing the sting with vinegar to help neutralize it. If vinegar is not available, rinsing with warm sea water is the second-best option. Jellyfish tentacles can be removed with wet sand, a card or gloved hand.
TIOR also recommends not using ice as it could worsen the pain.
If you experience severe or life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, you should contact 911.