Call for placards warning jellyfish attack on Oman beaches

Muscat: A swimmer was recently injured after he came in contact with a jellyfish during his routine swimming session, which has prompted a call for the installation of warning signs for people planning to visit Omani beaches for recreation.
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Mohammed Rafeeq, an IT professional at a firm in Oman, sustained burn marks on his forearms while swimming at the Ras Al Hamra PDO beach, where he came in contact with the tentacles of a jellyfish.
“I was swimming and suddenly a jellyfish’s strings touched both my arms and it felt like an electric shock. I had to suddenly come out of the water because of severe pain and noticed that both my arms were burnt,” he said, after which he immediately sought medical attention.
According to the Ras Al Hamra recreational centre, jellyfish comes occasionally and vanishes soon, therefore, no warning signs have been put up. So far only one incident of jellyfish sting has been reported. But after the latest incident, yellow flags might be installed, which would indicate danger stemming from jellyfish in the surrounding waters for tourists.
The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) were also unaware of any such incident till recently and said they would issue a warning if more such incidents are reported.
According to an official at the Marina Bandar Rowdha dive centre, jellyfish come to shore at random times and this is mainly due to the pollution caused by human activities in the sea.
“Not all jellyfish are harmful and they come randomly due to pollution in the seas. Currently, no warning flags have been raised, but the official advised swimmers to wear a proper swimsuit before getting into the sea.”
Jellyfish are a recurring sight at the Sultanate of Oman coasts. Coming into contact with one can be highly dangerous as several jellyfish, such as the box jellyfish know Omani waters as home.
Dangerous creatures
They are one of the most dangerous creatures known to humans and due to their minimal opacity; beach farers are oblivious to their presence until they come in contact with them.
If stung by a jellyfish, vinegar must be applied to the affected area and medical assistance should be sought urgently.