via GIPHY

The water is crystalline - blue-green and shimmering in the early morning sun. It calls to you: come on in, come on in. You want to. You really do. If only you weren’t hit by the fear of jellyfish. It’s no secret that there seems to have been a rise in the number of these pesky critters over the past few years, with people reporting sightings in frightened gasps. Much like a lover who leaves you broken hearted, the caress of a jelly will sting and hurt. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a group of these sea creatures is called a smack! But what should you do if you’ve felt the burn?

1. Get out of the water

Might seem obvious, but the first step is to take the first step…out of the sea!

2. Get the vinegar!

Every beach around the island today has a café or snack bar. While you may or may not want to grab something to eat while lounging on the beach, you might need help from one of these places after all. Ask for some vinegar and pour it over the sting for 30 seconds. 

3. Grab some tweezers 

Ok, so we know most people don’t carry tweezers around with them, especially when they go to the beach. But, you might want to consider a small First Aid pack with plasters, small scissors and, yes, some tweezers. Better to be prepared. Once you have them in hand, use them to remove the tentacles. 

4. Where’s the hot water?

But that’s not all. Even if you’ve done all of the above, you will still need to soak the burn in hot (not scalding) water for 20 minutes. Avoid cold water – that will only make the venom embed itself even deeper into the skin. 

And, what not to do:

1. Don't pee on yourself

We are big fans of Friends (can't you tell?) but that doesn’t mean you can take any advice spouted by the six as religion. Or can you?

2. Don't rub it in with sand…or an ice-pack…or a towel

It will burn, burn, burn with the friction or the shock of such extreme cold!

3. Avoid simply rinsing it off with sea or fresh water

That just won’t cut it. See above!

4. Cry

Okay, maybe just a little bit!