SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Whilst on holiday at the coast, the marine life found upon exploring rock pools are of particular interest to holidaymakers. However, it is important to be mindful that exploration should not harm the delicate marine world.
Here are some important facts to take note of:
Do not remove sea urchins from their habitat at the popular swim spot, the Point and the Poort. A puncture wound from a sea urchin can be painful and cause inflammation and redness around the affected area.
If you have puncture wounds in several places, you may experience more severe symptoms, including tiredness, weakness, aching muscles, shock, respiratory failure, paralysis.
In rare cases, people have died from severe sea urchin injuries.
Should you step upon a sea urchin, get medical attention at once, especially if your symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain, signs of infection, such as increased redness and swelling in the affected area and a high temperature (fever) of 38° C or above. Medical assistance is also required if there are spines in or near a joint, as they may need to be surgically removed.
Should you be stung by a jellyfish, you will feel severe pain immediately and develop an itchy rash and welts (raised, circular areas on the skin) where the tentacles have touched you.
In rare cases, a serious reaction to a jellyfish sting can result in breathing difficulties, becoming comatose or even death.
If you or someone else has been stung by a jellyfish, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 044 691 3170 (ambulance) or 082 911, should you experience problems, breathing or swallowing, have chest pain, have severe pain at the site of the sting, are very young or elderly, have a sting that affects a large area of the body, have been stung on the face or genitals, have severe pain, itchiness or swelling around the sting. If you would like to know more about sea urchins or starfish, visit the Shark Lab at the Point or Shark Lab on facebook and post your questions there.
Shark Lab welcomes your photos of marine life to their facebook page for all to enjoy.
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