Today my husband got stung by a stingray on Coronado Beach. He was boogie-boarding about 50 yards out, put his foot down in the sand and got stung. Thankfully, he was able to walk/limp to the main lifeguard station where the very capable Coronado Lifeguards took good care of him. Basically, they had him soak his foot in scalding hot water for 30-45 minutes. They say it’s going to hurt for a few hours, but he’ll be ok. So, when you are at the beaches here in Coronado, be sure to shuffle your feet entering and leaving the water to avoid getting stung. Here are some additional details if you do get stung: * Hot water really works. The pain associated with the sting is absolutely excruciating. If you are taking care of someone who just got stung, if it is not already in hot water, stop reading, go soak it in hot water. * If stung in the hand, make sure and remove any rings so that any swelling will not cause loss of digits. * Vinegar, urine, orange juice, ki-ora or any other liquid besides almost-scalding hot water will NOT be effective against stingray venom. (Acids may, however, ease jellyfish stings). * Whenever you swim, especially in tropical waters, always be cautious. Stingrays, sharks, and other dangerous sealife could be around. Also, watch out for people around you that might need help. * Drag or shuffle your feet when you are walking into the water so that you bump into stingrays instead of stepping on top of them.
