So I’m finishing up a training session this afternoon, swimming toward the beach.  Suddenly, my hand comes down and grabs something soft and squishy and tendril-y.  My thoughts go something like this:

Soft and squishy.

Oh Crap.

Stinging sensation.

Ugh, that’s annoying.

I swim in and head immediately for the Dolphin Club kitchen, where a cluster of people are chatting and preparing food for Boat Night. “So, what should I do if I get stung by a jellyfish?” I ask calmly.  The reaction is immediate.  Concerned friends grab and inspect my arm.  Someone calls an EMT friend on my behalf.  A search for white vinegar ensues to little avail.  People start pouring wine down my arm and hand.  But it’s not really helping that much.

In the back of my mind, I seem to remember someone telling me that urine is supposed to help with jellyfish stings.  A nasty bright red rash starts to spread down my inner arm and patterns across my fingers.  I figure, well, it’s worth a try.

I’ll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that I have confirmed for you that yes, urine does help alleviate mild jellyfish stings.  (Please note, Portuguese Man-o-War stings might require more professional care).   Nice.

Still, if white vinegar is available, you might want to go with that instead.

Thanks to everyone at the Dolphin Club who helped me today!