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Public warned of beach hazards
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Posted on Jan 06 2021
The public is being warned of a high rip current risk and men-o-war jellyfish through Friday night. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, Indo-Pacific men-o-war jellyfish are present along northeast, east, and southeast facing reefs, while dangerous rip currents are present along east facing reefs through Friday night.
Contact with Indo-Pacific men-o-war, alive or dead, can cause extreme pain. Residents of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are urged to stay out of the water, especially along northeast, east, and southeast facing beaches and reef lines. If men-o-war are not found along the beach, they could still be out in the water. Avoid making contact with men-o-war that have washed up on beaches, especially when bubbles can be seen. If stung, take out the tentacles, wash the wound with vinegar and then treat with heat pack.
If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. (PR)
