Stingray Information - English
EN ESPAÑOL
Find LBLG Stingray treatment facility Locations
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=13NEw2M6-r3el3awRdFNKrvDLJY4ie1E&usp=sharing
ABOUT STINGRAYS:
Stingrays are flat, disk-shaped creatures with fins that resemble wings. Species of stingray can be either saltwater or freshwater. They’re most often associated with tropical ocean climates, and their sting is a commonly reported beachgoer injury.
A stingray’s tail is long, thin, and tapered. In the middle of the tail are one or more barbed spines covered by a sheath. Each spine contains venom, and the stingray’s tail can pack a powerful, incredibly painful sting.
Stingrays generally aren’t dangerous — in fact, they have a reputation for being gentle. They often burrow beneath the sand in the shallows and swim in the open water. Stingrays will usually only sting when disturbed or stepped on by unaware swimmers.
Most of the time, you can avoid being stung by a stingray. Avoid stingray stings by not standing in shallow water, especially at low tide. When standing in shallow water, shuffle your feet. But if you do experience a stingray sting, there are several things you can do immediately to start relieving the pain.
STINGRAY TREATMENT: The only treatment to make the pain go away is to soak your foot in as hot of water as you can stand. Reheat the water every 3 minutes to keep it continually hot. Pain and allergy medication will not work. If you go to urgent care or the Emergency Department, they will prescribe the same hot water treatment. The length of the hot water immersion varies from person to person. In general, 30-45 minutes is enough time for most people. You will know you are done soaking when the stinging pain doesn't come back after a minute of being out of the hot water. Caution: If your only way to obtain very hot water is by boiling it, take care not to burn yourself!
If you are stung:
Find the nearest open lifeguard station. The lifeguard will assess the injury and go over your treatment options.
If you are unable to find an open station, call lifeguard dispatch at (562) 570-1360. A lifeguard will respond to your location and assess and go over your treatment options.
Find LBLG stingray treatment facility Locations
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=13NEw2M6-r3el3awRdFNKrvDLJY4ie1E&usp=sharing
LONG BEACH LIFEGUARDS - ABOUT US:
Long Beach Lifeguards are responsible for the safe and lawful use of the 9 miles of beaches, 5,300 acres of oceanfront property, waterways and marinas of the City of Long Beach. Additionally, the Marine Safety Division is responsible for the public safety of the 4,000 pleasure craft moored in the City's marinas and responding to water emergencies in the City's rivers and lakes.The Marine Safety Division consists of 27 full time employees, divided among boat and beach operations, with 140 seasonal personnel. Associated links:
www.longbeachlifeguard.orghttps://www.longbeach.gov/fire/operations/marine-safety/
