12 Jan Jellyfish and Stingrays in the Play Coronado Area
By Natalie Warner
Jellyfish and stingray season are nearing. Beginning mid January, for 8 weeks, these guys start making their appearances in the ocean and on the beaches. Cooler waters attribute to the increase of jellyfish, or aguamalas ( meaning bad water, the local term for jellyfish) in Spanish and stingrays. Here are a few tips and suggestions to make going to the beach fun.
Jellyfish
While getting stung is not pleasant, a lethal jellyfish sting is not common for this area.
Enjoy the beach, avoid the water
This may be easier said than done. There are some people who swim in the ocean every day as their exercise. Others are surf enthusiasts who enjoy this time of year because of the waves typical of this time of year. Staying out of the water, especially during peak times in February, is a sure way is the easiest way to prevent getting stung by a jellyfish.
Wear an extra layer of protection
If you must go out, wear an extra layer to protect more of your body. Rash guards are made out of material that are quick drying. There are a variety of styles and fits, so you have a variety to choose from. They can be found locally, including at Machetazo and Ollie in Las Terazzas. Sports stores in Panama City, including Super Deportes also carry rash guards as well. A t-shirt or a quick drying shirt can be used in place of a rash guard.
If you get stung…
Talk to different people about the best way to treat a sting, and you’ll get different answers. Some people say that deactivating the sting with saltwater is the best remedy. Others use white vinegar. Ammonia is another option for treating aguamala stings. Some avid surfers and divers swear by urine.
Still not finding relief? When in doubt, get it checked out and seek medical attention.
Know when the season is over
February may be the peak for jellyfish, but things can vary year to year. Take a stroll along the beach. If you see jellyfish, or parts of jellyfish washed ashore, you’d be safe to guess that they’re still in the water.
Stingrays
Stingrays are typically known for being docile unless caught off guard (aka stepped on). The end of their tail has one or more barbed spines covered by a sheath. Each of these spines contains jelly like venom. Although it may sound scary, stings are typically avoidable.
Do the shuffle
Sorry Van McCoy, we’ll skip doing the hustle and do the shuffle instead. Stingrays typically lay on the bottom of the ocean floor. Most people who get stung get stung because they stepped on a ray. Shuffling, rather than stepping, stirs up the ocean floor and causes the stingrays to move.
Protect your feet
Water shoes or reef booties can offer extra protection. Water shoes can be found in various stores around Coronado, including Machetazo. Reef booties, typically worn by surfers, can be found at BOA in Panama City.
If you do get stung…
Do not attempt to remove any part of the barb if it is in you. Seek medical help. The closest hospital is in San Carlos.
No barb? Although there are mixed opinions about this, soaking your foot in very hot water, between 43°-46°C (110°-115°F), is said to help alleviate pain and draw out the venom. Again, if you’re unsure, get attention from a medical professional.
All of this may sound overwhelming and scary. Knowledge is power. The reality is that this time of year does not necessarily deter people from going into the water. Looking for something to do besides visit the beach? Consider going for a hike at Sendero Cerro Picacho, visit the oldest church in the Americas, or try a new recipe with chayote!