News Summary
As summer approaches, Hilton Head Island experiences a spike in stingray encounters due to warming waters. Various species return to shallow areas, posing risks to beachgoers. Experts advise using the ‘stingray shuffle’ technique to avoid injuries, which are common when swimmers accidentally step on these camouflaged creatures. Safety precautions and immediate treatment for stings are crucial for a safe beach experience this summer.
Hilton Head Island is seeing an increase in stingray encounters as summer approaches, coinciding with the warming of its coastal waters. From May through July, various species of stingrays, including the Southern Roughtail, Smooth Butterfly, Spotted Eagle, Bullnose, Cownose, and Atlantic rays, return to the island’s shallow surf, where they are commonly found.
Though generally considered peaceful bottom-dwellers, stingrays rely on their ability to camouflage themselves in the sand, making them difficult to spot for unsuspecting swimmers. Most stingray-related injuries occur when a swimmer accidentally steps on one of these creatures, prompting a defensive response. The barbed spines on their tails deliver venom when threatened, which can lead to painful stings.
To reduce the risk of stingray encounters and associated injuries, experts recommend applying a technique known as the “stingray shuffle.” This method involves shuffling one’s feet along the sandy sea bottom while walking, as opposed to taking heavy steps. This minimizes the chances of accidentally stepping on a stingray, which can be startled by sudden movements.
Additional safety tips include wearing water shoes for extra protection, avoiding running or stomping in the surf, and steering clear of murky waters, especially during dawn or dusk when stingrays are most active. It is estimated that between 500 to 1,000 stingray stings occur on Hilton Head Island each summer, with some days seeing multiple incidents.
In the event of a sting, immediate action is advised. Victims should leave the water right away and soak the affected area in hot water that is not scalding for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps break down the venom. After soaking, the wound should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and fresh water, and medical attention may be necessary if the injury is deep, heavily bleeding, or showing signs of infection.
Hilton Head Hospital, known for treating stingray injuries, sees a significant number of cases each summer, often treating several patients in a single day. To alleviate pain, the emergency room is equipped with a “stingray bucket” containing hot water to provide relief for victims. There are approximately 1,500 to 2,000 stingray injuries reported nationwide each year, primarily stemming from these accidental encounters.
While deaths from stingray stings are rare, they can occur, especially in cases involving serious infections or injuries to vital areas such as the chest or abdomen. Dr. Andrew Matthews from Hilton Head Hospital emphasizes the importance of medical evaluation for any injury, especially to check for potential spine fragments that may remain lodged in the wound.
As summer draws near, all beachgoers are urged to practice caution while enjoying the waters of Hilton Head Island. By following recommended safety measures, the risks associated with stingray encounters can be significantly minimized, ensuring a safe and enjoyable beach experience for everyone.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Stingray
- WJCL
- Google Search: stingray injuries Hilton Head
- The State
- Google Scholar: stingray injuries
- Lowco Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: stingrays
- WSAV
- Google News: stingray attacks
