On scorching summer days, splashing in the sea is the top choice for many to beat the heat. But before enjoying the coolness, it’s wise to keep a safety guide handy—creatures like jellyfish, sea urchins, devil rays, and stonefish, these 'invisible assassins,' often hide between the sand and rocks under your feet. To avoid accidental stings, let’s get to know these 'native residents' of the ocean. Jellyfish: The 'Poisonous Ribbons' Drifting with the Tide Jellyfish drift with tides and currents. Their deadly weapon lies in the tentacles hanging beneath their umbrella-shaped bells, covered in microscopic stinging cells—like tiny syringes loaded with venom. Even dead jellyfish retain the activity of these stinging cells. Symptoms of Stings Upon contact with skin, they cause immediate intense burning pain and itching, leaving characteristic linear or whip-like red marks, sometimes even blisters. Severe cases may lead to systemic reactions like nausea, dizziness, breathing difficulties, or even anaphylactic shock. First Aid and Prevention Remember the 'Three Don’ts': Don’t rub the area, don’t rinse with fresh water, and don’t apply alcohol. These wrong actions accelerate toxin release from stinging cells. Correct steps: The first few minutes to ten minutes after a sting are the golden window to stop toxin spread. First, rinse repeatedly with seawater to remove residual jellyfish fragments on the skin. If visible tentacle pieces remain, wear gloves to peel off larger fragments, then use tweezers to gently remove smaller ones. After initial treatment, seek medical help at the nearest facility as soon as possible. Sea Urchins: The 'Tenants' Among the Rocks 

"There are over 900 species of sea urchins, which love to hide in rock crevices or near coral reefs, covered in sharp spines. As 'passive defenders,' they don’t actively attack humans, but if stepped on or touched, their sharp, barbed spines will pierce the skin. Symptoms caused by different sea urchins vary. Besides mechanical puncture wounds, sea urchin toxins are the main cause of poisoning. Symptoms of Stings Severe local pain and swelling. If spines break off under the skin and cause infection, the wound may show a distinctive purplish-black mark. Systemic symptoms can include dizziness, palpitations, rapid breathing, muscle paralysis in hands and feet, or even coma. First Aid and Prevention Carefully remove visible spines on the surface, but if a spine is deeply embedded, broken, or near a joint, seek medical attention immediately. Prevention Principles: When exploring rocky areas, always wear sturdy protective footwear and never touch rock crevices with bare hands. Take proper safety precautions when handling sea urchins. Devil Rays: The 'Ghostly Sirens' of the Water The term "devil ray" usually refers to stingrays, which are bottom-dwelling cartilaginous fish. They typically bury themselves half in the sand of shallow waters, exposing only their eyes and breathing holes. Gentle by nature, they only instinctively defend themselves by swinging their serrated, venomous tail spines when stepped on or severely startled

Symptoms of Stingray Stings The wound appears as a tear-like injury. Venom causes severe knife-cut-like pain that spreads rapidly through the body. If the hand is stung, pain and nerve paralysis gradually move upward from the injury site. The wound is highly prone to infection; severe cases may lead to systemic muscle pain, breathing difficulties, palpitations, dropping blood pressure, or even shock. First Aid and Prevention Stingray tail spines have lateral serrations—forcefully pulling them out may cause tissue tearing. Rinse the wound with clean water and apply pressure to stop bleeding, but avoid prolonged pressing to prevent venom from lingering. Regardless of wound size, seek medical attention immediately, as professional debridement and tetanus prophylaxis are required. Pay special attention if numbness or paralysis symptoms appear. Stonefish: The 'Deadly Needle' with Ultimate Camouflage The stonefish is one of the world’s most venomous spiny fish. A master of disguise, it remains motionless among rocks or coral debris, blending perfectly with its surroundings—nearly invisible to the naked eye. Its dorsal fins bear hard spines capable of piercing even rubber-soled shoes. Symptoms of Stonefish Stings The most striking feature is unbearable pain, often described as “life-destroying,” which even analgesics struggle to relieve. The venom paralyzes the heart, skeletal muscles, and smooth muscles. After being stung, the wound site experiences burning and whipping sensations, followed by swelling, blackening, and necrosis. Severe cases may lead to breathing difficulties, confusion, coma, and even death. First Aid and Prevention The core of emergency care is neutralizing venom and seeking immediate medical help—call an ambulance or rush to the hospital without delay. All these marine creatures’ “attacks” stem almost entirely from defensive instincts. As “visitors,” we should maintain a safe distance, observe carefully while playing, and avoid random touching. If stung, seek medical treatment promptly. （From Look into the New Era）