Visitors to the beaches of Phuket were recently warned about jellyfish in the waters. Signs have been posted at various beaches along the west coast, cautioning tourists about the increase in jellyfish stings. The Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Center and local administration organizations have been working together to bolster lifeguard stations with extra bottles of vinegar and other medical supplies to help provide treatment for stings.
Suchart Ratanaruangsri, Director of Phuket Marine Resource Conservation Center, visited the lifeguard station at Karon Beach, where Karon Municipality had installed a sign warning visitors of jellyfish. The sign, written in Thai language only, explains what to do if tourists are stung by jellyfish while playing in the water. His officers will visit more than 20 important beaches around the island, including Patong Beach, Kata, Karon, Nai Yang, Surin Beach, and Cape Panwa on Phuket’s east coast.
Mr Suchart warned visitors that there are many species of jellyfish in the coastal areas of Phuket. Most of them are ordinary ‘fire jellyfish,’ which can cause severe burning pain or even death in cases that produce a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself from jellyfish before swimming in the sea. People should observe the warning signs and swim in the safe areas marked by lifeguards and strictly follow the warnings of the authorities.
Despite Suchart’s warnings, there was no specific mention of any rising numbers of Portuguese man o’war stings or box jellyfish stings. The Portuguese man o’war, which delivers a much more violent sting and can even be life-threatening, is also found in the coastal areas of Phuket. Tourists need to be prepared to protect themselves from jellyfish before entering the sea.
Phuket’s west coast, including Patong Beach, has seen an increase in stings in recent days. More than 30 people have recently been stung by jellyfish while playing in the water at the beach. Most of the people were not seriously harmed. To help treat the stings, officers have been stocking lifeguard stations with extra bottles of vinegar and other medical supplies.
The warning signs, however, are only in the Thai language, which leaves foreign tourists to wonder what they say. As such, it is important for tourists to educate themselves about the dangers of jellyfish and how to avoid being stung. Tourists should also be aware of the local emergency services and know what to do in the event of a jellyfish sting.
visitors to Phuket beaches need to be cautious and vigilant about jellyfish in the water. With the increasing number of tourists being stung by these marine creatures, it is essential to follow the warnings and advice of the authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.