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GEORGE NEWS - Have you noticed the seawater along the Garden Route has gone from pleasantly swimmable to painfully cold?
And bluebottles suddenly started appearing in surprising numbers along our beaches?
Many residents and visitors have been asking the same questions, and the answers lie in natural ocean and weather processes. When strong southeast winds blow along our coast, something called upwelling occurs.
The wind pushes the warmer surface water offshore, allowing much colder, nutrient-rich, deeper ocean water to rise and replace it at the shoreline. That deep water can be several degrees colder than usual, which is why even on a sunny day, the sea can feel uncomfortably chilly.
Even a few days of steady southeast wind is enough to bring this cold water to the surface.
At the same time, the same winds influence the movement of bluebottles that have gas-filled bladders that act like tiny sails.
When southeast or easterly winds blow toward land, these 'sails' carry the bluebottles towards shore, causing large numbers of them to wash up on beaches.
What to do when you get stung
Bluebottle stings can be painful, but you can take steps to reduce discomfort.
• Avoid rubbing the sting. Touching or rubbing the area can make the pain worse.
• Remove tentacles carefully. Use something like a stick, the edge of a credit card, or wear gloves to gently scrape off any tentacles. Do not use your bare hands.
• Warm water (ideally around 40 to 45°C) can help ease the pain and break down the venom. Soaking the affected area in warm water for 20 to 45 minutes is often recommended.
• Unlike some other stings, vinegar can make bluebottle stings worse, and ice may only numb the pain temporarily without helping with the venom.
• Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, but if someone has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, dizziness or any signs of a severe reaction, seek medical help immediately.
WATCH: Jeff Ayliffe visited Wilderness Beach to explain briefly why all the bluebottles washed up.
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