OUCH: Rise in stingray, jellyfish encounters along Carolina coast

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. — A warning for those who may be heading to the Carolina coast for the end of summer break: Several people say they've been hurt by stingrays.

Crews say they've responded to five stingray stings at North Topsail Beach in the last few days.

Paramedics say the animals are more active in the shallows and swim in schools, but beachgoers can avoid them by shuffling their feet when walking in the water.

"All you're going to do is, instead of walking like normal in the water, you want to take your feet and shuffle them along the floor of the ocean and that should kick up enough dirt and debris,” said Zachary Hierl.

He says the sand and debris will scare the stingrays away before they get stepped on.

If you do get stung, experts suggest soaking the wound in hot water to help ease the pain and keep it clean. Call 911 immediately if you develop an allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing or rashes.

Officials say stingray season runs from mid-summer to early fall.

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More than 300 stung by jellyfish along Charleston coast

Another major concern for swimmers is jellyfish stings.

The Charleston Post and Courier reported that on Saturday, 326 people were stung on Charleston-area beaches.

For comparison, there were only 29 reported stings all of last year.

Experts think a persistent onshore wind could be pushing the jellyfish closer to shore.

Cox Media Group