Idol immersions at beaches: BMC warns devotees to be cautious of jellyfish, stingrays

Stingrays are wide flat bodied fish with a whip-like tail. These tails have stingers that can cause harm should a person come in contact with them.

The state government’s fisheries department said that between August and October, there is a higher presence of blue button jellyfish and stingrays in the sea and beaches of Mumbai, resulting in an increased probability of stings.

Civic officials said that stings caused by stingrays cause a burning sensation, while those from jellyfish result in intense itching. The officials said that in case of such incidents, citizens have been advised to immediately approach medical units stationed at beaches and to carefully remove jellyfish tentacles and wash the wound with clean water.

“Devotees should not enter the sea bare-bodied during immersions. They should cover their legs up to their knees and use gumboots as a protective measure against jellyfish and stingrays. Children should also not be allowed to enter the sea water,” said the BMC. The authorities stated that lifeguards have been deployed at immersion points alongside medical units and ambulance vans. BMC has also set up boards and signages at the bridge as a safety measure for citizens.