Pay attention to warning signs on the beach. Coastal authorities, well aware of the dangers jellyfish can pose, take steps to warn people when there are a large number of dangerous jellyfish in the sea or on the beach.
Ask hotel or tourist information center staff about jellyfish before going to the beach on vacation.
Apply waterproof suncream with a jellyfish inhibitor.
Put on a full-body wetsuit and diving gloves before snorkeling, diving, surfing or even swimming in areas where you know there are a lot of stinging jellyfish.
Watch out for dead or dying jellyfish on the beach. These can still sting. Watch where you put your feet and do not allow children or pets to touch jellyfish.
Seek medical attention if a sting causes a severe reaction. According to the Mayo Clinic, the time to get assistance is when "stings cover large areas of skin." Or "you have symptoms of a severe reaction, such as tightening of the airways or throat, difficulty breathing, feeling weak or feeling sick." Minor stings can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications or icepacks. If in doubt, see your doctor or contact National Capital Poison Center at 800-222-1222. In urgent cases, call 911.
