Jellyfish Stings Reported At South Kingstown Pond

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Swimmers are encouraged to be extra careful this weekend after five people were stung by jellyfish at a South Kingstown pond in just three days. The Rhode Island Department of Health said the stings at Potter Pond are believed to be from clinging jellyfish, which have a powerful sting.

To avoid being stung, anyone wading through the pond is encouraged to wear boots or waders and other protective clothing, especially in areas with lots of underwater plants. The clinging jellyfish are usually found in non-salt-water areas and will generally hide in plants and algae in back bays, ponds, estuaries and other areas that are not commonly used for swimming. The jellyfish are difficult to see in the water, as adults are only about the size of a dime and are completely transparent except for a orange-brown cross on top.

Clinging jellyfish have been found in the area before, including Point Judith Pond in South Kingstown and Narrow River in Narragansett last year.

Over the past three days, five people were taken to the emergency room with jellyfish stings. Sting reactions vary, with some people reporting little to no discomfort and others experiencing extreme pain. Redness at the sting site as well as respiratory and neurological issues are also possible, with symptoms generally lasting three to five days. If you are stung by a clinging jellyfish, take the following steps.

• Put white vinegar on the sting site to stop any remaining stinging cells.
• Remove any remaining tentacles with fine tweezers. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent additional stings to your hands.
• Soak the skin in hot water (110° - 113°F) or take a hot shower for 20 to 45 minutes.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms do not go away or get worse.