Swimmers and surfers could be in for a shock

Friday 06 July 2018

It might have made for a famously funny scene in TV show Friends, but Jersey swimmers and surfers are being urged not to urinate on jellyfish stings if they get caught by the marine animal as it visits the island this weekend.

Environment officials this afternoon warned that jellyfish have been spotted in Jersey waters, just north of Gorey Castle – a consequence of the rising temperatures.

It follows a spate of sightings from Guernsey and Herm islanders – one of whom described the creatures as “pretty to look at, but… a nuisance for swimming.”

Pictured: A jellyfish spotted in Herm in June. (Ray Tubby)

Now that they’re due to hit Jersey in larger numbers, Assistant Director of Environmental Health Caroline Maffia warned of a risk of being stung.

“Whilst a jellyfish sting is highly unlikely to have serious consequences, stings can be painful, particularly for anyone who receives multiple stings. As the water heats up there tend to be more jellyfish in the sea and, as people overheat because of the warm weather, they are more likely to rush into the water. Swimmers and paddlers should check before diving in,” she said.

Video: Islanders are being urged not to follow the example of this Friends scene if they get stung.

Those that do get struck have been given the following advice: 

• Get out of the water
• Slowly pour seawater over the sting to help ease the pain
• Apply a ‘cold compress’ (ice wrapped in a cloth)
• Local anaesthetic gels and other forms of pain relief can be bought from a pharmacy should the pain persist
• Avoid using urine or vinegar – this is no longer recommended by experts and may discharge the nematocysts (the cause of the sting) and potentially cause further stings
• Dial 999 if you require emergency assistance.