What to Do When You Get Stung by a Jellyfish: Facts, Myths, and Ocean Wisdom from the Gili Islands
Jellyfish—graceful, translucent drifters of the ocean—can bring a moment of wonder when spotted underwater. But for many divers and swimmers, an encounter with a jellyfish is far from magical. A sting from these gelatinous creatures can lead to anything from a mild itch to a painful rash or, in rare cases, a serious reaction requiring medical care. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, safety and education are part of every dive, and understanding how to respond to a jellyfish sting is just as important as knowing how to clear a mask or check your dive gear.
Around the Gili Islands, jellyfish sightings are usually limited to just a few days at a time. The ocean currents and seasonal winds tend to bring in small groups of jellyfish, then carry them away just as quickly. Most stings are minor and manageable with basic first aid. But understanding what to do if you’re stung—and what not to do—can make a huge difference in your recovery and your overall diving experience.
1. Understanding Jellyfish in the Gili Islands
Transient Visitors of the Sea
Unlike in some tropical destinations where jellyfish populations remain steady year-round, the Gili Islands experience short periods when jellyfish are more common. These periods are largely dictated by ocean currents and wind patterns, which may bring blooms of jellyfish closer to shore or into popular dive sites. A bloom might last only a few days before the same currents and wind disperse the animals elsewhere.
Most jellyfish encountered around the Gilis are small, transparent species—often hard to spot until it’s too late. Divers occasionally report seeing small jellyfish or “stingers”, which are parts of jellyfish tentacles or tiny jellyfish larvae. These can float freely in the water and still contain active stinging cells, called nematocysts, capable of triggering a reaction.
Rare but Noteworthy: The Portuguese Man-of-War
Although exceedingly rare in this region, there have been occasional sightings of the Portuguese Man-of-War—a colonial organism often mistaken for a jellyfish but even more dangerous. When one is spotted, dive shops around the Gili Islands immediately alert each other via a shared WhatsApp safety group. As a precaution, dive sites with sightings are avoided until it’s safe to return.
2. What Happens When You’re Stung?
How Jellyfish Sting
Jellyfish use tentacles lined with thousands of specialized cells to paralyze or capture prey. These stinging cells, called cnidocytes, discharge tiny barbs that inject venom. Humans are not the intended target, but our skin can still trigger the release of these barbs when it comes into contact with jellyfish tentacles or drifting stingers.
The Body’s Reaction
The effects of a jellyfish sting can vary depending on:
- The type of jellyfish
- The individual’s sensitivity or allergies
- The area of the body affected
- The duration of contact
For most people around the Gilis, jellyfish stings cause:
- Mild itching or burning
- Redness or rash-like welts
- Localized swelling
In rare cases, some individuals may experience:
- Nausea or dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
3. First Aid for Jellyfish Stings
Do NOT:
Let’s start by debunking common myths, because some instinctive actions can actually worsen the pain:
- ❌ Do not pee on the sting: Contrary to popular belief (and movie scenes), urine does not neutralize jellyfish venom and may even trigger more stings by causing undischarged nematocysts to fire.
- ❌ Do not rub the area: Rubbing can activate more stinging cells or spread the venom.
- ❌ Do not rinse with fresh water: Freshwater can cause the stingers to discharge more venom.
Do:
Here’s the correct first aid protocol, which we at Oceans 5 Gili Air follow on our dive boats and in the dive center:
- Exit the water calmly and safely.
- Avoid panic. Signal your buddy or dive guide, and make your way to the boat or shore.
- Rinse the affected area with vinegar.
- We always keep a bottle of vinegar in our emergency box onboard all Oceans 5 boats. Vinegar neutralizes the nematocysts and prevents them from firing further.
- If vinegar is unavailable, use saltwater, not freshwater.
- Remove tentacles carefully.
- Use tweezers or the edge of a card (like a credit card) to gently scrape off any remaining tentacles.
- Wear gloves if available, or use a towel or cloth to protect your hands.
- Apply heat.
- Immersing the sting area in hot water (40–45°C) for 20 to 45 minutes can relieve pain by denaturing the venom proteins.
- If hot water is unavailable, a warm compress may also help.
- Monitor for allergic reaction.
- If the diver shows signs of difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling beyond the sting area, seek emergency medical care immediately.
4. When to Seek Medical Attention
Most jellyfish stings on Gili Air are mild and treatable on-site with vinegar and rest. But seek medical help if:
- Pain is severe or spreading
- There’s swelling on the face, neck, or genitals
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion develops
- The sting covers a large area of the body
- There’s a known allergy to insect or marine stings
Clinics on Gili Air
Gili Air has several clinics equipped to handle jellyfish stings and mild allergic reactions. Doctors speak English and can provide antihistamines, pain relief, and further treatment if needed.
If further care is required, especially for severe reactions, transport to hospitals in Lombok is arranged. Clinics on Gili Air work with boat operators and hospitals to ensure fast evacuation if necessary. Thankfully, such situations are extremely rare.
5. Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of Jellyfish Stings
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our dive team takes proactive measures to protect divers and snorkelers. Here’s how you can help reduce the chances of getting stung:
Listen to Your Guides
If jellyfish are present, dive shops will inform you. We may:
- Change the dive site
- Delay the dive
- Advise on extra precautions
We always put safety first, and the ocean provides many alternative dive sites to explore while we wait for jellyfish to move on.
Wear Protection
- A full-length wetsuit or rash guard acts as a physical barrier against jellyfish tentacles.
- Gloves, boots, and hoods provide added protection, especially in peak jellyfish seasons.
Look Before You Leap
- Before jumping into the water, especially from boats, scan the surface for jellyfish or tentacles.
- If you see jellyfish floating on the surface or trapped around mooring lines, inform your guide.
Avoid Touching Suspicious Objects
Even jellyfish tentacles washed up on the beach can still sting. Do not touch marine debris or unfamiliar creatures with bare hands.
6. The Myth of Peeing on a Jellyfish Sting
Let’s clarify this once more—urine is not a jellyfish cure.
The myth likely arose from a misunderstanding about acidity or salinity. However, urine’s composition varies greatly, and in many cases it triggers more stings instead of easing them. Studies have shown that:
- Vinegar or acetic acid works best for box jellyfish and stingers
- Hot water immersion is one of the most reliable ways to relieve pain and reduce venom activity
In other words: leave the first aid to proper tools—not your bladder.
7. Oceans 5’s Approach to Jellyfish Safety
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, every diver receives a comprehensive safety briefing before entering the water. During certain seasons, our briefings include jellyfish awareness, and our guides inspect the water before dives.
Onboard each boat, we carry:
- Emergency first aid kits
- Vinegar bottles
- Gloves and tweezers
- Oxygen units and communication tools for contacting clinics if needed
Our staff are trained in first aid and emergency oxygen provision, and our divemasters and instructors receive regular refreshers to handle marine-related incidents.
8. Final Thoughts: Respect the Ocean, Be Prepared
Jellyfish stings can be unpleasant, but with the right knowledge and tools, they are easy to manage and rarely dangerous—especially around Gili Air.
The ocean is a shared space. Jellyfish, like sharks, corals, and turtles, are part of the rich ecosystem that makes the Gili Islands a top dive destination. As divers and snorkelers, we are guests in their world. That means:
- Understanding marine life
- Respecting ocean creatures
- Acting responsibly in the water
If you’re diving with us at Oceans 5 and encounter jellyfish or get stung, know that you’re in safe hands. We’re here to ensure that your dive experience is not only unforgettable but also safe, respectful, and well-supported.
9. Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in marine safety, jellyfish biology, or ocean conservation, talk to our team. We regularly organize:
- Reef and beach cleanups
- Conservation talks
- PADI Specialty Courses like Underwater Naturalist and Project AWARE
And if you’re curious about first aid for marine injuries, consider enrolling in the PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) course or the Rescue Diver Course.
10. Summary: What to Do if You’re Stung by a Jellyfish
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exit the water calmly |
| 2 | Rinse with vinegar (not fresh water) |
| 3 | Remove tentacles gently with tweezers or a card |
| 4 | Apply heat (hot water immersion) |
| 5 | Monitor for allergic reaction |
| 6 | Seek medical help if symptoms are severe |
Oceans 5 Gili Air is here to keep you safe, informed, and inspired. Whether you’re diving for the first time or you’re a seasoned instructor, our team is ready to guide you through every wave, every reef, and—on rare occasions—every jellyfish sting.