By Lauren Tjaden
Stepping on a Florida stingray is about as fun as sunbathing in a hailstorm.
But these docile, curious creatures aren’t out to get you. Their stingers are used exclusively in self-defense. Nevertheless, they don’t much fancy being stomped on – and an encounter generally isn't peachy for the person stepping on them, either.
That doesn't mean you need to stay out of the water. There’s an easy way to avoid a chance meeting with one of the critters, which often bury themselves in the sand, sometimes only inches from the shore.
When you’re walking in the ocean, shuffle your feet along the bottom. As a result of this -- "the stingray shuffle"-- the stingrays will feel the vibrations from your feet and have a chance to flee.
If you do get stung
The protein on the stinger is similar to that of a bee sting. A few people (like those allergic to bee stings) may develop a severe allergic reaction to the sting of the Florida stingray, necessitating immediate medical attention. However, if you’re like most people, following the basic first-aid treatment of soaking the affected area in hot water to help break down the toxins will suffice.
What to do right away
- Get out of the water safely
- Stingray pain can cause dizziness or weakness.
- Have someone stay with you if possible.
- Control bleeding
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or towel.
- Small punctures may bleed quite a bit at first.
- Soak the area in hot water
- Use hot—but not scalding—water, ideally around 110–113°F (43–45°C).
- Soak for 30–90 minutes or until pain improves.
- Heat helps break down stingray venom and is one of the most effective first-aid measures.
- Rinse the wound
- Use clean fresh water.
- Remove obvious debris carefully, but do not dig deeply into the wound.
- Clean and bandage
- Wash with soap and water after soaking.
- Apply a clean bandage.
- Pain relief
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help if you can safely take them.
Get medical care soon if:
- The barb may still be inside.
- The wound is deep or large.
- The pain is severe or not improving.
- You were stung in the chest, abdomen, neck, or face.
- You have numbness, weakness, fainting, trouble breathing, or vomiting.
- Bleeding won’t stop.
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 years.
- Signs of infection develop: redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or increasing pain.
Doctors sometimes order X-rays because pieces of the spine can remain in the wound.
Important: don’t do these things
- Don’t use ice as the primary treatment instead of hot water.
- Don’t tightly tourniquet the limb.
- Don’t try to cut open the wound yourself.
- Don’t ignore worsening redness or swelling over the next few days.
Typical recovery
Most uncomplicated stings improve significantly within a day or two, though soreness can last longer. Foot and ankle stings are especially common in Florida surf areas.
