Summer is fast approaching, and with that comes splendid beach days, hobz biz zejt, sandy toes, and unfortunately, jellyfish.

If you've visited one of our gorgeous beaches over the weekend, you were probably shocked by the amount of jellyfish lurking around. Although the jellyfish blooming season is quite normal, it's actually quite late in the season for it to be so profound.

Local weather page Maltese Islands Weather took to Facebook to say that a ‘final bloom’ is ongoing and that the current mauve stinger jellyfish bloom is at its peak. 

Jellyfish blooms occur annually, usually during the spring months in the Mediterranean seas, which usually goes unnoticed, although this year, the blooming season seems to have extended. 

What’s caused the mauve stinger jellyfish to continue blooming?

Maltese Islands Weather continued to explain that “jellyfish bloom at sea surface temperatures of a certain level only. It is because the food they normally prey on is present at those sea surface temperatures. The weather has been miserable all through spring. Temperatures have been below average throughout the season, with gradual warming only starting two weeks ago. It will also dip slightly again by the end of the week. The ideal environmental conditions for jellyfish blooms were only reached weeks ago. Local sea surface temperatures will rise gradually over the coming weeks, causing the jellyfish bloom to abate gradually.” 

The post went on to advise to avoid beaches indicated as ‘Unadvisable’. 

What should you do in the event of a jellyfish sting?

The HPF Ranger Unit shared a jellyfish warning alert yesterday, saying that “our Rangers have been treating many jellyfish stings today. Unfortunately, there is a large presence of jellyfish at Golden bay, and we would discourage swimming, although it looks inviting.”

The post continued with detailed instructions on treating a common jelly sting, so listen up! 

DO NOT apply: 

• Freshwater
• Vinegar
• Pressure
• Bandages
• Alcohol 

DO: 

• Seek immediate medical attention if shock or breathing difficulties occur
• Carefully wash with seawater - do not rub
• Baking soda slurry (50% commercial baking soda; 50% seawater)
• Use a plastic card to remove residual tentacles (Scrape in one direction) 
• Apply ice packs (wrapped in a cloth or thin towel, not directly on the skin) for 5-15 minutes

The post ended with a warning “if pain persists, consult your pharmacist or Health Care professionals.”

Have you ever been stung by a jelly? 

Facebook/ Maltese Islands Weather