Goa Beaches Continue To Have Jellyfish Swarms; 20 Sting Cases Reported Per Day

by Sanjana Shenoy
Goa Beaches Continue To Have Jellyfish Swarms; 20 Sting Cases Reported Per Day

The beaches of Goa, have continued to attract scores of people from all over the world. Infact, Indians have even resorted to flying on private jets or opting for road trips just to visit their favourite spot, Goa. But off-late, the beaches of Goa have attracted a lot of attention for unusual reasons. Recently, tourists and locals found coal chunks washed up on the beaches. And now, Goa beaches have been invaded by jellyfish swarms. Ever since the earliest spate of jellyfish sting attacks in November 15, Goa’s beaches have reported around 20 jellyfish sting-related incidents every day. Most of them happened in the famous North Goa coastline, and the most affected stretch is the Baga-Sinquerim strip. Although no fatalities have been reported so far, the beachgoers stung by jellyfish had to be administered oxygen and first aid.

Goa Witnesses Jellyfish Swarms That Stung Over 90 People In 48 Hours

Goa beaches are witnessing unwanted visitors. No, we aren’t talking about people flouting social distancing rules. Unusually, swarms of stinging jellyfish have entered the waters of Goa. Unfortunately, the jellyfish stung more than 90 bathers in the last 48 hours, leaving them needing first aid. According to Hindustan Times,  Drishti Marine, the lifeguarding agency managing Goan beaches stated, “Over the past two days, the Baga-Calangute beach belt witnessed over 55 cases while the Candolim to Sinquerim beach stretch saw 10 cases. South Goa reported over 25 cases of jellyfish related accidents requiring immediate first aid.”

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The agency also revealed a particular incident where a man went parasailing in Baga beach and he suddenly developed chest pain and breathing difficulties. People realised he was stung by a jellyfish. The agency stated that he was administered oxygen. And then an ambulance rushed him to the hospital. Jellyfish sting incidents have been very rare at Goa beaches. But off late it’s been quite frequent.

Picture Credits: Facebook/DrishtiMarine

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Here’s What To Do If A Jellyfish Stings You

Drishti Marine put out a statement to help tourists stay cautious on Goa beaches. According to Pune Mirror, Drishti Marine informed that if stung by a jellyfish, you must immediately inform the nearest lifesaver. Then, wash the area with hot water to break down the toxins. After which, spray the area with a lot of vinegar to diffuse the poison. And finally, use ice packs to reduce swelling. Beach lovers, if you’re visiting Goa, stay cautious and safe. Meanwhile, check out our Chief Editor, Kamiya Jani’s post-pandemic visit to Goa.