Shark bite, dozens of jellyfish stings reported at Isle of Palms
By Andy Paras
ISLE OF PALMS — A teenager reportedly was bitten by a shark this weekend, and dozens more beach-goers were stung by jellyfish.
Isle of Palms Fire Chief Ann Graham said the teenage boy was standing in about 4 feet of water Sunday, throwing a football with a group of friends, when he felt a bite to his lower leg.
File/Jessica Johnson/Staff
Isle of Palms pier
The teen saw what appeared to be a shark and yelled for everyone to get out of the water as he ran toward the beach, Graham said.
The boy was treated at the beach and taken to a local hospital.
“It was pretty significant,” Graham said.
Graham said the department also responded to about 50 jellyfish sting calls: 30 calls Saturday, 20 on Sunday and about five so far today.
Jellyfish are common at the beach all year but had been relatively quiet this season until this weekend.
“Up until three days ago it was pretty slow for us,” she said.
Normally, responders will put an alcohol and baking soda mix on the stings and allow the person to be on his or her way. In the rare occasion that a sting victim goes into shock, he is taken to the hospital, Graham said.
Graham cautioned beach-goers to be aware of their surroundings, especially where they step, and not to pick up the creatures.
“Sometimes the tentacles might fall off. You might not see the jellyfish but step on the tentacles,” she said.
Reach Andy Paras at 937-5589, aparas@postandcourier.com or on Twitter at twitter.com/andyparas.
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