Where are they? When do they come close to shore? (Jellyfish)

Jellyfish in the waters can be extremely difficult to see!
Q. What's the best way to avoid them?
A. By knowing the hot spots and hot times.

Where:
Scientists have not created a jellyfish radar, but many have tagged jellyfish to track their whereabouts and movements like the EcoJel Project which tags jellyfish in the Irish Sea.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has a Jellyfish Sightings Map where people from all over the world report where they spotted jellyfish and what type of jellyfish. This is the most user friendly map to finding a general area of where jellyfish are most prominent. ² 

They're multiplying?!:
Q. Are rumors that jellyfish populations are increasing true?
A. Research on jellyfish populations have only begun recently and there is not enough evidence to say that the jellyfish are multiplying at an alarming rate. Jellyfish naturally breed in the right conditions, and jellyfish populations are always increasing. However, due to climate changes affecting ocean temperature, there is a possibility that the jellyfish population is increasing at higher rates. ³

When:
Jellyfish generally come nearer to the shore 7-11 days after the full moon, when the tide is high. It is always possible for them to be closer to the shore on other days as well so it is best to be prepared. Jellyfish go where the current takes them, especially when strong currents and winds occur. After a vicious storm, there is a higher probability that jellyfish will be closer to the shore. Jellyfish will also go where the food goes, sometimes bringing them closer to shore. ⁴*

Hawaii:
Hawaii's Hawaiian Lifeguard Association made a Box Jellyfish Calender for estimations on when Box Jellyfish will be closer to shore based on history. The Box Jellyfish are deadly, and should be avoided at all costs. The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association also provides a calender for the hot times for the jellyfish called the Man-O-War. ¹


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Resources: 
¹ 808jellyfish.com by the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association
² EcoJel Project  by Fireball Media
³ Fun Facts About Jellyfish by the Monterey Bay Aquarium
⁴ Mystery of thousands of washed up jellyfish explained by WECT
* Thousands of jellyfish wash ashore on South Padre Island by Daisy Barrera

First-Aid For Jellyfish Stings

The waters won’t tell you where the jellyfish are, and chances are you aren’t going to see it before you are stung. So how do you know it’s a jellyfish that stung you?

Symptoms:
♠ Burning pain for the first hour
♠ A rash where the sting occurred
♠ Nausea, Headaches, Weakness, Dizziness, Cramps
♠ Chest pains, hyperventilation, Severe Vomiting

The rash will sting and, depending on the type of jellyfish, can take just a few hours to disappear. However, some stings can leave a permanent scar. Treating the sting immediately will most likely reduce scarring.

What do I do?! It burns!:
♠ Read this How-To Treat Your Jellyfish Sting in another blog post

The deadly:
Most likely the jellyfish you encounter will not require medical help. However, there are deadly jellyfish that exist. The Box jellyfish sting needs to be treated as soon as possible. It causes cardiovascular collapse, respiratory failure, and neuromuscular paralysis, which kills. 
Knowing where Box Jellyfish are is the best way to avoid them. Later this blog will discuss the locations of jellyfish, their hot spots and hot times.

But what is the best remedy?

Prevention:
♠ Know the waters. Know the jellyfish tendencies of the area.
♠ Know the jellyfish hot spots and hot times. After a vicious storm, jellyfish can be washed ashore and be pushed closer to the beach than you want.
♠ Be prepared by purchasing jellyfish sting protection and relief products at your local diving supply store or Ebay. 
♠ Safe sea lotion neutralizes chemicals on the skin that will cause a jellyfish to sting if in contact. The lotion must be reapplied every hour or more often if active. 
♠ Wear a wet suit. For increased activity in the water, it’s better to wear a wet suit. This is the most common jellyfish sting protection, and protects a majority of the skin. The wet suit will also keep your body temperature warmer.
♠ Nylon panty hose is also an effective jellyfish sting protection. Lifeguards will wear these over their legs and arms. 

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Resources:
¹ Jellyfish Facts by Nathan Dickerson