North County lifeguards have witnessed an increase in jellyfish stings, according to our media partner North County Times.
Oceanside lifeguards said they have seen a “significant increase” in the amount of sting injuries from jellyfish, with about 25 people reporting injuries in the last few days, said Lifeguard Sgt. Greg Trebbe.
Jellyfish stings at Oceanside beaches have been minimal to nonexistent before, lifeguards said to North County Times.
It’s unknown exactly what type of jellyfish is causing the problems. But the executive director at Birch Aquarium said she has noticed a purple striped jellyfish present at the Scripps pier, Coronado and Mission Bay. The jellyfish have purple and white circular stripes and stings are not venomous. And this kind of jellyfish is common in San Diego.
"This is a typical time when we have warmer waters and a lot of movements with currents from deeper waters," Nigella Hillgarth said. "There is also a lot of plankton in the waters, so there is a lot of food for them."
Victims with more serious stings should seek medical attention, Hillgarth told North County Times.
If the sting is minor, Hillgarth recommended washing it with fresh water.
Read the full story at North County Times.
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