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I was chatting to one of the guys over at Arena Caliente, the local surf camp, when the subject of stingrays came up. The recent colder temperatures had caused the stingrays to look for warmer water to bask in and as a result they were up closer to the beach.

Stingrays generally hide partially covered up with sand on the ocean bottom (especially when feeding) with only their eyes and tail visible. They are not normally aggressive, but as with humans, they don’t really like being stepped on, especially when they are half asleep!

If this happens, the tail becomes a barbed bull whip and if you are unlucky will inflict a nasty sting, normally on the foot or lower leg. The bigger problem is the fact that the barb or stinger will often break off in the wound (don’t worry the stingray will grow another one). The easiest way to prevent an attack is to shuffle your feet through the sand as you get into or out of the ocean.

If you are scuba diving or snorkeling (i.e. head first to the stingray), keep your distance. A barb in the leg is one thing, nearer your vital organs is another.

As with any injury, there are numerous theories with regard treatment. Most of the technical remedies revolve around trying to neutralize the effects of the protein based venom. On the beach, without access to the Mayo Clinic, the application of the hottest water you can stand will neutralize the venom in the sting. Go to the nearest beach bar or restaurant for that, you’re probably going to need a Flor de Cana shot anyway, unless you have some kind of local anesthetic for pain relief. Expect some severe pain for up to an hour and discomfort for up to a couple of days. More importantly, (serious now) get a proper medical check up. You need to make sure that all infection causing barb fragments have been removed.

What about peeing on it? No, that’s for jellyfish, for stingrays it will have no medical benefit other than in an emergency, the warmth of the urine will offer some relief and seeing all your surf buddies lined up with full bladders and digital cameras may distract you from the pain.

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