South Carolina beaches see more than 700 reports of jelly fish stings in one weekend

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WLOS) — If you're soon heading to the coast for a beach trip, have fun! But be aware of what to do if you're stung by a jellyfish.

South Carolina jellyfish activity

Charleston County Park and Recreation Safety Manager Nikki Bowie tells us that there were close 700 reports of jellyfish stings last weekend at beaches in SC's Isle of Palms County Park alone.

For comparison, Bowie says there were only 29 reported stings in that area in all of summer 2017.

To share a bigger picture, in 2012-2016, there were about 3000 reported sting in four areas in Charleston County.

Bowie says that about 650 people reported stings to a lifeguard Thursday through Saturday at the beaches.

Luckily for beachgoers, by Sunday, the number had dropped to 75.

"The jellyfish have moved on," farther from shore or to another beach, she said.

She says reported stings spike when water is warm and there is a good onshore flow and lots of people in the water.

Jellyfish don't swim or even choose where they travel: they float, and are pushed by winds and currents.

If you are stung

Bowie reminds us that if you wan to swim in the ocean, there's really nothing you can do to avoid being stung.

If you get stung by a hellyfish, don't panic. The Mayo Clinc advises rinsing the area with vinegar, removing any tentacles with tweezers, and soaking the skin in hot water.

Unless you are stung in the eye or experience an allergic reaction, you can likely just keep enjoying your fun at the beach.

Stingray injuries

There's also a rise in stingray-related injuries on the NC and SC coast.

First responders tell WSOC in Charlotte that they've responded to five stingray injuries at North Topsail Beach in the last few days.

Paramedics say the animals are more active in the shallows, and swim in schools--and beachgoers can avoid them by shuffling their feet when walking in the ocean.

"All you're going to do is, instead of walking like normal in the water, you want to take your feet and shuffle them along the floor of the ocean, and that should kick up enough dirt and debris,” said paramedic Zachary Hierl.

Hierl says the sand and debris will scare the stingrays away.

If you do receive a stingray injury, experts suggest soaking the wound in hot water to help ease the pain, and keeping it clean. Call 911 immediately if you develop an allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing or rashes.

Officials say stingray season runs from mid-summer to early fall.