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Copyright 2006 Godiva, Inc. All rights reserved

Contact us: MCPO Box 3051 Makati City Philippines 1200

Phone: (632) 890-98-45

Websites: www.godivaskincare.com; www.i-godiva.com

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Are You Safe in the Beach?

Summer’s fun, but its withering heat is definitely a no-no!

For most of us, the only way to counter the summer heat PLUS enjoy the sun season is to head for the beach. Yeah, just imagine the sea, the waves and the breeze to cool down and ease those stresses away…

But wait! Before you venture into the water, let me just ask you one thing: are you absolutely sure you're safe in the beach? What’s that? “Yes!”?

Hmmm…What if I tell you that the world’s most deadly marine animal can be found in our shores, can you still say “yes”?

Marine Beauties, Scourge of Swimmers

Jellyfish are common marine creatures. They are found in numerous locations all over the globe, including Philippine waters. They actually have no brain, no muscles, no bones, and no ability to see and hear. However, would you believe that despite their lack of essential senses, jellyfish are one of the most feared creatures the world over?

You see, jellyfish sting can be quite discomfiting. It may leave not only nasty skin scars but may also cause excruciating pain, swelling and inflammation, blisters, ulcerations, possibly secondary infection, skin rashes (i.e. sea bather's eruption), weakness, headaches, vomiting, muscle spasms, fevers and chills, difficulty with breathing, and even shock (trauma).

If the tentacles of jellyfish come in contact with the eyes, they may damage the cornea and thus may lead to blindness!

But the worst thing is, some jellyfish stings are fatal. That is, some stings are really painful that swimmers become numb and thus drown. Other jellyfish venoms are potent enough to cause death, like that of a box jellyfish, which can kill a person weighing 70 kg. in just three minutes (thus it is called “the world's most deadly marine animal”).

And take note: box jellyfish lurk our waters. In fact, an estimated 20-50 deaths are said to occur annually here in the Philippines due to box jellyfish sting (this is according to a 1995 study conducted by Dr. Paul Cornelius of the British Museum of Natural History).

To cut to the chase, jellyfish stings are hazardous. Therefore, one should be aware of the things to do in cases of jellyfish stings.

SO WHAT CAN  WE DO? Here are some self-help tips:

 Always bear in mind that caring for a person injured by jellyfish sting should begin immediately.

For rescuers: do wear protective clothing. Of course, if rescuers got stung, the purpose of “rescuing the victim” will be defeated and instead, rescuers will also become victims, too.

Remove injured person from the water (to prevent drowning).

Rinse the affected area with salt water or don’t rinse at all. DO NOT USE FRESH WATER; it will only worsen the victim’s condition (as fresh water will further activate nematocysts).

Remove remaining tentacles from the victim. DO NOT USE YOUR BARE HANDS; instead, use protective gloves or forceps, because even detached tentacles can still sting you!

  Apply white vinegar on the affected area; this will kill the undischarged stinging cells and toxins and thus, will help decrease the adverse reactions of the victim to the sting.

To ease the victim’s pain, administer over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil).

To prevent the spread of jellyfish’ venom, avoid further movement of the affected area (for example, if the foot was stung, keep the victim still).

If the victim seems to be ill or displays severe reactions (like shock, vomiting, fever, loss of consciousness, and shortness of breath), do the following:

• Lay the victim down
• If victim starts vomiting, roll the victim onto his/her side (so that vomit is not breathed in.
• Call for an ambulance, so that victim may be evaluated immediately by a doctor and will be administered with proper medical treatment.

However, the best way to defend against jellyfish stings is still to avoid getting stung! How?

 Familiarize yourself with the beach you’re planning to visit. Learn about the possible marine risks in the area.

Be proactive. Bring first aid supplies; injuries occur even when you least expect them.

Do not touch jellyfish and any other marine creatures. Watch out for them when you’re in the water.

Wear protective clothing (wet suits, lycra suits, and/or stockings) and shoes.

Wash your swim suit with detergent and heat-dry after use (to kill thimble fish or sea anemone larvae that cause sea bather’s eruptions).

Use a protective sunblock lotion/cream that has jellyfish sting inhibitor, like Godiva Safe Sea^® Sunblock.

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