Box Jellyfish Safety Tips Following the 'Nyad', Jodie Foster’s latest movie

Inspired by the true story of Diana Nyad's historic Cuba-to-Florida swim at age of 60, the 'Nyad' movie highlights her extraordinary perseverance, the challenges of open-water swimming, including a harrowing encounter with dangerous box jellyfish, featuring compelling performances by Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.

After watching 'Nyad,' many people are asking: Is it safe to swim in the open sea? Usually, we worry about sharks or orcas, but the movie highlights another dangerous creature - the box jellyfish. The film shows Diana Nyad facing a life-threatening situation when stung by one during her swim from Cuba to Florida, emphasizing the serious risk they pose, which could have been fatal without quick medical treatment.

What is Box Jellyfish?
Box jellyfish are some of the most dangerous marine animals, known for their cube-shaped bodies and long tentacles that can reach up to 10 feet. These tentacles are covered in nematocysts, which are tiny structures that inject venom. This venom can cause severe pain, paralysis, and even death quickly by attacking the heart, nervous system, and skin.

Where and When Box Jellyfish Are Found?
Box jellyfish live in warm coastal waters, mainly in the Indo-Pacific and northern Australia, but they can also be found in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. They're most common in warmer months, typically from October to May in Australia.

How to Avoid Them?
To avoid a jellyfish sting, it's advisable to stay out of the water in areas known for jellyfish, particularly during the 'stinger season.' If you do venture into the water, opting for clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible is a wise precaution. The greater the coverage, the better your protection against potential stings.
Also its better not to swim in dark.

What to Do If Stung by a Box Jellyfish?

• First you should get out of water.
• Immediately pour vinegar over the sting for at least 30 seconds. Vinegar stops the nematocysts from releasing more venom or put hot water or baking soda on the sting. If they don’t exist put salt water on it. That will help stop the release of venom. Don’t use fresh water.
• Remove any tentacles that you see in the skin but do it with gloves not with bare hands.
• Find a medical help quickly.

What to Avoid If Stung by a Box Jellyfish?
• Avoid applying pressure or touching the sting area directly.
• Refrain from rinsing the affected spot with fresh water, alcohol, or substances like ammonia or urine, as these actions can worsen the venom's effects.
• Do not dismiss the sting and hope the discomfort fades; severe issues may develop long after the initial sting occurs.

Have you ever had a Box Jellyfish attack?