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Marine first aid: Essential tips for staying safe on the water

Safeguarding your health and safety when on the water.

Boating and all the fun activities that go with it, unfortunately has its own specific dangers of which to be aware. We share the ocean with a wide range of marine species, a number of which can be poisonous and even deadly to humans. In addition, dehydration and sunburn are two of the most common illnesses associated with boating. If you frequent the water, keep reading to discover some basic marine first aid tips for dealing with these and other issues. And always remember, incorrect practices can make situations worse, so if you don’t know what you’re doing, find someone who does, or better yet, seek medical assistance from a professional.

Dehydration

One of the most common afflictions when out on the water is dehydration. When you’re having a fun time with loved ones and sinking a few drinks, it’s easy to forget about finding shade and drinking water. Prevention is better than cure, so next time you’re heading out for a day of adventure, don’t forget to take plenty of drinking water with you and even some electrolyte tablets or powders in case the effects of dehydration start to take hold. The most common symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, headaches and nausea, so if you start to feel these, it’s best to find a cool spot out of the sun, drink some water and avoid caffeine. In cases of severe dehydration, victims may need their fluids replaced intravenously. If a person’s condition deteriorates or you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s best to seek medical assistance. 

Sunburn

Along with dehydration, sunburn is a very common occurrence when enjoying a day out on the water. Sometimes it can be a bit of a laugh when your pastiest friend turns pink and/or red, but severe sunburn can be a dangerous condition that leads to swelling, nausea, fever, vomiting and blistering. The long-term dangers (think melanoma) are even worse. It’s vital to ‘slip, slop, slap’ before any time in the sun, especially when out on the water all day away from shade. However, if it’s too late for prevention, try the following:

  • Get the person out of the sun and into the shade
  • Put them in a cool shower/bath if possible or sponge down burns with cold, fresh water
  • Depending on the level of burn, you may need to place gauze over the burns
  • Give them sips of chilled water to cool them down and prevent dehydration
  • If there are no blisters, apply aloe vera or after-sun cream
  • If blistering occurs, don’t pop the blisters and seek medical assistance as soon as possible

Stings and bites

It’s no secret that Aussie waters are home to a plethora of dangerous animals which have developed some serious defence mechanisms over the years. Enjoying a harmless swim off the back of the boat on a hot summer’s day can have disastrous consequences if you’re not prepared and aware of what lurks beneath. These marine creatures carry poisons that can harm humans and even those not normally considered deadly can cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in some individuals. When bitten or stung, it’s not always easy to get a good look at the culprit, but there are a few tell-tale signs you can look for which will help you determine the best way to treat the area and if further medical assistance is needed. 

Here is a list of some of the most well-known and deadly stinging marine creatures in Aussie waters:

Stingers and Tropical Jellyfish

Box Jellyfish and Irukandji are deadly tropical jellyfish found around Australia’s northern beaches but can sometimes drift further south too. Stinger season happens in the warmer months, generally peaking from November to March. If you or someone around you is stung by one of these jellyfish, immediately douse the area surrounding the sting with vinegar for 30 seconds and seek emergency medical assistance right away. You may be required to administer CPR until help arrives.

Fish and Non-Tropical Jellyfish

Non-tropical jellyfish, stingrays, Stonefish, Lionfish, Crown of Thorns starfish and a number of other species also possess dangerous venom which can be deadly. These stings are treated by placing the stung area in hot water for 20 minutes. The water needs to be as hot as the person can tolerate and repeated cycles of the rinsing needs to be performed. If the person’s condition deteriorates, seek immediate medical assistance. 

Cone Shell and Blue-Ringed Octopus

Other notable dangerous creatures to watch out for are the Cone Shell and Blue-Ringed Octopus. If someone is stung, the affected area must be wrapped with a compression bandage and immobilised with a splint. The casualty should not move around to not spread the venom and always seek urgent medical assistance.

Hook removal

When fishing, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets a fish hook stuck somewhere they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, these guys can do a bit of damage, so if the hook is embedded in a person’s face, eye, tendon or anywhere other than soft tissue, you should NOT attempt to remove it yourself and head to a doctor right away. Sometimes if you’re out in the middle of nowhere and the hook isn’t too deep, cutting or yanking the fish hook out can be performed. However, it’s always best to have a doctor remove it safely if you can wait. 

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