Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/157038
Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 Page 52 BEACHGOERS REMINDED TO DO 'STINGRAY SHUFFLE' TO AVOID INJURY Stingray season has begun and is expected to when they are searching for food or mating, last through the rest of the summer, Sarasota the release points out. County has advised the public. Stingrays are capable of inflicting a laceration Lifeguards are reminding beachgoers to avoid or a penetrating type of wound. "The injury is injury by doing the "stingray shuffle" when en- serious and can be very painful," the release tering the Gulf of Mexico. "By shuffling your adds. Anyone who has suffered a stingray feet in the sand, you will scare off any sting- wound must take immediate and effective acrays that might be around," a news release tion in its treatment. says. If stung by a stingray, the release says to do the following: If stingrays are present at a beach, a purple flag will be visible from the lifeguard tower in • Seek a lifeguard or go directly to the nearest medical facility for treatment or someplace addition to signs that will be posted, alerting where you can get hot water. the public to be cautious, the release adds. Flags were up early this week "and will be • Soaking the wound in water as hot as the flown as needed," the release notes. person can stand should be the first step in treating the injury. That action will help Stingrays by nature are not aggressive; howevrelieve the pain er, the problem arises when bathers unknowingly step on them. This happens close to the For more information, contact Sarasota Counshoreline, where stingrays tend to burrow in ty Lifeguard Operations at 861-5000 or visit the sand, usually during the summer months www.scgov.net. Stingrays are not aggressive, but if they are surprised, they can make it plain how they earned their name, Sarasota County lifeguards say. Photo by Barry Peters via Wikimedia Commons