Galveston Beaches Overrun with Jellyfish- Is It Safe to Swim?

As someone who loves beaches and has written about them all over the world for over seven years, I was sad to hear that Galveston beaches were being overrun by swarms of jellyfish this summer. Is it still safe to swim in the water off of Galveston? That was my first thought as a big fan of swimming and water sports.

This piece will talk about what I learned from past experiences with swarms of jellyfish, give beachgoers safety tips, and give my professional opinion on whether it’s still safe to swim in Galveston even though there are a lot of these jellyfish around.

The Jellyfish Situation in Galveston

Galveston Island is a popular beach vacation spot off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. It has 32 miles of beaches, beachfront parks, historic buildings, and seaside activities. But this summer, beachgoers are having a strange problem: huge groups of jellyfish are swarming the shore and the water off the shore.

Local experts say that thousands of jellyfish have landed in the area, making it hard to take a relaxing swim without getting stung. The painful sea nettle, moon jellyfish, and purple people eaters are some of the most common types of jellyfish seen. Their stings can hurt, swell, and irritate swimmers, but they are not thought to be dangerous.

Why Are Jellyfish Swarming Galveston Beaches?

Marine scientists say that the influx is caused by two main factors: first, more phytoplankton (very small marine plants) and second, warmer ocean temperatures. There is more food for jellyfish to eat when the phytoplankton number goes up. Also, warmer seas are great for jellyfish because they can lay their eggs there.

Doctor Lisa Miller, who has studied jellyfish for more than 20 years, and I talked. She says that yearly blooms of jellyfish are normal. But because the weather is so good this year, the swarms in Galveston are much bigger than normal. She thinks that the numbers will go down when the weather gets cooler in the early fall.

How to Avoid Getting Stung by a Jellyfish

I’ve been to many beaches around the world and have learned some good ways to stay safe from jellyfish stings, even when swimming at beaches that say they are there. Here are my five most important safety tips:

• Put on a stinger suit or rash guard that covers your whole body.

Wearing lycra/spandex activewear that covers your whole body, like a wet suit, is the best way to stay safe. You can keep tentacles from touching your skin if you wear a stinger suit.

• Use creams and sprays that protect.

Waterproof sunscreen or creams that stop jellyfish stings work as a barrier against bites. Use a lot of them on skin that is showing.

• Don’t go swimming at dawn, dusk, or night.

You should only swim during the day, when jellyfish are easier to see and stay away from. It’s harder to see them when there isn’t much light.

• Before you jump, look around.

As you walk in, keep a close eye on the water, and don’t swim if you see jellyfish nearby. It’s hard to see their bodies because they are clear.

• Do not panic if you get stung.

Use sand or a towel to carefully pull off any tentacles that are stuck on your skin. Do not rub the area; instead, use vinegar to stop the stingers from working.

Can You Still Swim Safely in Galveston?

Even though swarms of jellyfish have made people less interested in swimming in Galveston, I think it’s still possible to enjoy the water as long as you take the right safety measures. Thoughts:

• There should only be lifeguards at beaches where you can swim. Before you go into the water, ask them about the jellyfish situation.
• If it rains or winds, you shouldn’t go swimming because the wind or rain can push jellyfish closer to the shore.
• Wear a full-body stinger suit, especially if you have kids with you because they are more likely to get hurt.
• Instead of going deeper into the water where there are more jellyfish, swim parallel to and close to the shore.
• Remember to bring vinegar to the beach to treat stings or use waves to wash off stingers.
• Learn how to use the flags and signs at Galveston beaches to warn people about jellyfish.
• Some businesses in your area offer apps that can help you keep track of jellyfish.

Even though you can’t totally avoid jellyfish, learning about their habits, how to spot them, and what to do if they sting you can help keep your beach vacation safe. Don’t change your plans to visit Galveston, but read these tips first to make an informed choice.

Conclusion

As a big fan of the beach and water sports, I think that people will still be able to enjoy Galveston’s shores despite the jellyfish. Some swimmers might be scared off by their appearance, but simple safety measures like wearing protective swimwear, staying away from swarms, and knowing how to treat stings can keep you safe in the water.

I hope that these tips from my many years of swimming in the ocean will help you avoid getting stung by a jellyfish in Galveston. Please let me know if you have any other worries about these jellyfish on your upcoming beach trip. Wishing you many more summers of swimming at the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast beaches without getting stung. I hope you like reading “Galveston Beaches Overrun with Jellyfish- Is It Safe to Swim?”.