Boat games and first aid

Basketball on a boat

Nerf basketball hoop + kids + boat = great fun! I bought this with the image of my boys playing with it in the water. I didn’t imagine jelly fish joining in on the fun. Swarms of them. Huge ones.

After dropping anchor, Cory let out a loud “whoop” and launched himself into the water with a front flip. The other boys followed, and after several front flips, cannon balls and back flips Cory came out of the water doing the “ohmygodithurtssobad” dance as he rubbed his legs, chest and arms. A huge jelly got him from toe to shoulder. Quinn quickly followed. Alcohol was brought out to douse the stings, and for the parents to drink, and the water was deemed to be jelly territory for the night.

Jelly fish facts:

Jellyfish are prevalent in our local waters. Some types can produce a painful reaction that is caused when the tentacle touches the skin and releases poison from the nematocysts located along each tentacle.

Symptoms include intense pain, itching, rash and swelling. Some people have nausea and vomiting. It is possible to have a fatal reaction if you are allergic.
Initial treatment involves removing the tentacle. Rinse with vinegar for 15-30 minutes. You may use sea water or rubbing alcohol.

DO NOT USE FRESH WATER AS THIS WILL CAUSE MORE POISON TO BE RELEASED. Did you know this? It is true. So don’t grab that icy cold water that will feel soooo good on the burn. Um, no, it will make it worse.

Alcohol is always on a boat. Sun-downers are a requirement and a welcome refreshment after a cluster-you-know-what sail to your anchorage.   We always have an assortment of rum… Captain Morgans, Bacardi white, coconut, mango, banana….mmmmmm.   Hopefully your first aid kit contains rubbing alcohol, but if it does not, you can grab that bottle of Captain Morgans and douse some on the sting, then take a slug.

So, what should your first aid it contain?

-sunscreen (don’t get me started…..then again, I will do a post devoted to this tomorrow)

-vinegar (for jellyfish stings)

-rubbing alcohol (for cuts and jelly stings)

-antibiotic ointment

-benadryl (allergic reaction)

-Tylenol (kid and adult for fever or pain)

-Motrin 9because sometimes a kid fever is not doused with Tylenol)

-tweezers

-scissors

-bandaids

-gauze

-tape

-saline solution or eye wash

I have some live aboards who read this blog, so I would love for you guys to add to this list and give your seasoned advice as well.

One final word…….some Jelly fish stings can be quite bad.  If someone gets stung and you know this person has severe allergies, do not waste time getting them to a doc.   However, most people just experience intense pain for a short period, followed by some welts or redness.  For Cory, he was better within 15 minutes, but was done with the water.

It’s just a small part of living in paradise.