How to avoid jellyfish

[kulminaator]

Hi

I'm quite new to diving in southern waters, back in where i come from there are no jellyfish and i don't have any kind of idea what locations they like or dislike. I know already what they do, i've read from the internet and heard some stories from people, luckily i have not spotted them in water myself yet.

Now a question arrives, how do i avoid them by choosing the location where to dive ? Are they fond of closed bays or do they like the more open sea ?

I read that vinegar is a good thing to have by in case you get stung. Any better alternatives to that ?

btw. malta's beaches are gorgeous, there are many beatiful places just by the shore and some interesting and very brave fishes to observe here

 

[paolov]

use protective gears like a wet suit, hood, gloves, etc.

or you may try a liberal amount of SAFESEA lotion


.

 

[kulminaator]

Right now my "mighty equipment" , consists of a mask and some rubber shoes, without the latter it's almost impossible to get into the water without cutting into your feet with the sharp edges.

If i start to see swarms of jellyfishes around, i may consider the suit.

:icosm02: Still the question about their favourite locations is up, do they like standing overheated water or are they more likely to be found in more open spots ? Or is it completely random ?

Currently my favourite place here is on an outside corner of a bay, where i have more space to move around and less tourists disturbing. Too bad the underwater cases for cameras are that expensive, otherwise i'd drag my digital camera down there along with me and make some nice shots

 

[cummings66]

Keep in mind you may not be able to see all the Jelly's there, some are quite small and you won't know it until you react.

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

A god idea is when you are coming to the surface after your 3 min safety stop is to take your reg out and purge overhead in a circular pattern. This will make jellies overhead disperse. Also, if diving at night, turn off your light as you are heading towards the surface. They are attracted to light. If you get some stingers on you, use your knife (yes, another reason for your trusty blade) to scrape off the stingers then apply white vinegar.

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[BrianV]

Just wear a good dive skin or wet suit (fully body), and wear gloves as well.

 

[Steele]

I read that vinegar is a good thing to have by in case you get stung. Any better alternatives to that?

Contact EMS if needed - use your buddies cell phone to avoid the charges. Heck, see if you can snag that nifty sat-phone on the charter. I hear you can call like all over with those.
Neutralize tentacles with vinegar (topical acetic acid) or isopropyl alcohol. - Jack & Coke not recommended.
Remove large fragments with tweezers or teensy weensy needle nose pliers.
Do not rinse with fresh water. -I knew a guy that likes to pee on stings, but he's likely to charge extra for it.
Apply shaving cream or baking soda paste. -On the stung area, not where you forgot to shave that morning.
Shave area with razor (or big hukkin' Rambo pig-sticker for dramatic effect :11: )
Re-neutralize area.
Do not rub area. -even if it hurts really really really bad. Just punch yourself in the leg or something to forget about the pain.
Apply cold compress. -I've read some publications advise against applying ice, but think they are referring to applying ice directly, not a cold compress.
Consider using pressure immobilization.
Transport to medical facility if needed.

Eye stings:
Rinse with minimum 1.01 to 1.02 gallons fresh water water.
Transport to medical facility.

Mouth stings:
Rinse 1 to 4 vinegar/water solution unless swelling or problems swallowing.
Transport to medical facility.

-Take an EFR class.

 

[sasscuba]

Contact EMS if needed - use your buddies cell phone to avoid the charges. Heck, see if you can snag that nifty sat-phone on the charter. I hear you can call like all over with those.
Neutralize tentacles with vinegar (topical acetic acid) or isopropyl alcohol. - Jack & Coke not recommended.
Remove large fragments with tweezers or teensy weensy needle nose pliers.
Do not rinse with fresh water. -I knew a guy that likes to pee on stings, but he's likely to charge extra for it.
Apply shaving cream or baking soda paste. -On the stung area, not where you forgot to shave that morning.
Shave area with razor (or big hukkin' Rambo pig-sticker for dramatic effect :11: )
Re-neutralize area.
Do not rub area. -even if it hurts really really really bad. Just punch yourself in the leg or something to forget about the pain.
Apply cold compress. -I've read some publications advise against applying ice, but think they are referring to applying ice directly, not a cold compress.
Consider using pressure immobilization.
Transport to medical facility if needed.

Eye stings:
Rinse with minimum 1.01 to 1.02 gallons fresh water water.
Transport to medical facility.

Mouth stings:
Rinse 1 to 4 vinegar/water solution unless swelling or problems swallowing.
Transport to medical facility.

-Take an EFR class.

Funny Avatar but I would have grabbed some underwear without a stain on it....:lol:

 

[BrianV]

Funny Avatar but I would have grabbed some underwear without a stain on it....:lol:

Damnit, I double taked his avatar after I read that; FOUL!!!