CEBU CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas (BFAR-7) reminded beachgoers to take precautionary measures when swimming at sea due to swarms of jellyfish during this time of the year.
A BOX jellyfish is fished out of the waters of Clarin town in Bohol. The photo was uploaded by Sheila Mae Zafra, coastal extension officer of the Department of Natural Resources in Bohol, as part of the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of jellyfish sting. (Sheila Mae Zafra)   It is jellyfish season in the country from April to June and hundreds of them are visible in coastlines as the hot weather temperature forces them to swim to shallow waters, said BFAR-7 Regional Director Allan Poquita. Poquita explained that there are a variety of jellyfish and not all are deadly. There is even a kind of jellyfish that is safe for human consumption, Poquita said.   A deadly kind of jellyfish is the box jellyfish, the same marine animal that stung a 31-year-old local tourist from Bohol in Santa Fe, Bantayan, Cebu on Sunday, June 25. The victim, Leslie Ann Madronero, died with several jellyfish tentacles in her body. Poquita said one of the first-aid treatments that can be applied is pouring oil on affected areas. He said oil will easily help remove jellyfish tentacles. He advised against the usual practice of pouring vinegar on the affected area as this may trigger an allergic reaction that may worsen the victim’s condition.   When swimming at sea, one should observe the reminders issued by the local government unit, Poquita said. It is also advisable to wear protective gear such as rash guards when swimming. Applying jellyfish repellant is also advised. When seeing a swarm of jellyfish, it is best not to swim at all, Poquita said.