While we are not very fond of Jellyfish or any other stinging creatures, especially while traveling in the ocean, many people are putting their lives in danger because of them. Jellyfish stings are among the worst pain you can experience in the water.
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If you’re planning on swimming in a jellyfish-heavy area, you need to know if a wetsuit will protect you from their painful stinging tentacles. So, do wetsuits protect against jellyfish?
Yes, a wetsuit protects against jellyfish stings; when worn properly, a wetsuit creates a barrier between your skin and the water, making it more difficult for jellyfish to sting through the wetsuit. The neoprene material of a wetsuit is thick and durable, reducing the chances of jellyfish stingers penetrating through to your skin.
Wearing a wetsuit provides multiple advantages when it comes to protection against jellyfish stings. It reduces the likelihood of stings, safeguards against rashes and sunburn, and helps regulate body temperature, prevents hypothermia.
What Is the Best Jellyfish Proof Wetsuit?
If you are swimming in areas with jellyfish, it is important to find the best jellyfish proof wetsuit to wear. Wearing a good quality wetsuit can offer more than just protection from a jellyfish sting. For example, it may also offer UV protection and help regulate your core body temperature.
Here is a look at some of the best options for jellyfish proof wetsuits so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
1. Seavenger 3mm Odyssey Wetsuit with Sharkskin Chest
Warmth and durability make this 3mm Odyssey Full Suit ideal for divers in warm water or cool conditions. A heavy-duty back zipper with a long pull tab makes self-donning easier. The suit’s soft, high-stretch neoprene provides excellent freedom of movement, while its flatlock stitching ensures minimal water penetration. Sharkskin chest and knee panels provide protection without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.
The Odyssey Wetsuit is one of the finest wetsuits on the market. At only $79, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better suit for the price.
2. ZCCO Ultra Stretch 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit
The ultra-stretchy 3 mm Neoprene Wetsuit combines warmth, comfort, and performance in a full-body men’s wetsuit made for watersports enthusiasts. The smoothskin front panel of the wetsuit creates an additional barrier to wind and water, keeping you warmer when your heart is beating hard on cold days.
In addition to providing awesome thermal protection in frigid weather, this suit features a durable and stretchy interior jersey made of flatlock seams so you enjoy maximum movement while diving or snorkeling. These state-of-the-art suits feature windproof textured chest and back panels that trap more body heat to keep you warm when the windchill is high, and the water temperature is low.
What Swimsuits Protect from Jellyfish?
While no swimsuit can provide 100% protection against jellyfish stings, certain types of swimsuits offer more coverage and may help reduce the risk of stings. Here are some options to consider:
1. Full-body swimsuits
Swimsuits that cover the entire body, including long-sleeve tops and full-length pants, can provide a greater physical barrier against jellyfish stingers. Look for swimsuits made from thicker materials, such as neoprene, which can offer additional protection.
2. Dive skins or stinger suits
Dive skins or stinger suits are specially designed suits of lightweight, stretchy fabric that provide full-body coverage. Divers commonly use them to protect against jellyfish stings, UV rays, and abrasions. These suits are typically made of nylon or Lycra and offer a comfortable, form-fitting option.
3. Rash guards
Rash guards are tight-fitting, long-sleeve swim shirts made of synthetic materials like nylon or Lycra. They provide some protection against jellyfish stings by creating a barrier between your skin and the water. While they don’t cover the entire body, they can be paired with swim leggings or shorts for extended coverage.
4. Wet suits
Wet suits made of neoprene material can provide some defense against jellyfish stings. The thickness of the neoprene can vary, with thicker suits offering more protection. Wet suits cover the majority of the body, reducing the exposed areas vulnerable to jellyfish tentacles.
How to Protect Yourself from Jellyfish
To protect yourself from jellyfish, you can take several precautions:
1. Stay informed
Before heading to a beach or swimming location, check for any jellyfish warnings or recent reports of jellyfish sightings. Local authorities, lifeguards, or beach officials can provide information about jellyfish activity in the area.
2. Wear protective clothing
Consider wearing a wetsuit or other protective clothing when swimming or snorkeling in jellyfish-infested waters. A wetsuit can provide a physical barrier and reduce the chances of jellyfish stings. Wearing rash guards, long sleeves, and long pants can also provide some protection.
3. Use protective lotions
Applying a liberal amount of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) can help prevent jellyfish stings. Some sunscreens are specifically formulated to provide a protective barrier against jellyfish stingers. Look for products that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
4. Avoid areas with jellyfish
If possible, swim in areas that are less likely to have jellyfish. Pay attention to signs, flags, or warnings indicating jellyfish presence, and choose swimming spots accordingly.
5. Swim with a buddy
It’s always safer to swim with a companion. If either of you gets stung by a jellyfish, the other person can provide assistance or seek help if necessary.
6. Be cautious in the water
While swimming, keep an eye out for jellyfish in the water. If you spot a jellyfish, give it a wide berth and swim around it. Avoid touching or getting too close to jellyfish tentacles, as they can still sting even if the jellyfish appears dead or washed up on the beach.
7. Seek medical attention if stung
If you do get stung by a jellyfish, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or an allergic reaction. Follow the recommended first aid procedures, such as rinsing the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) and removing any tentacles using tweezers or a similar tool.
FAQS
Do rash guards protect from jellyfish?
Rash guards provide some protection against jellyfish stings by creating a barrier between your skin and the water. However, they do not offer complete protection, especially in areas where the skin is exposed.
Can a stingray sting through a wetsuit?
Stingrays cannot sting through a wetsuit. The thick neoprene material of a wetsuit acts as a barrier against stingray stings, reducing the risk of injury.
Does sunscreen prevent jellyfish?
Sunscreen does not specifically prevent jellyfish stings. However, using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun while swimming or engaging in outdoor activities where jellyfish may be present.
Conclusion
So the answer to this common question is quite simple: yes and no. First off, wetsuits don’t necessarily make you immune to jellyfish stings. In fact, if the wetsuit doesn’t cover the areas of your body that are normally submerged when you swim, you could arguably be at a greater risk of being stung than going in without a suit at all.
However, having said that, if you’re wearing a proper wetsuit (one that covers your arms, legs, and feet), then you do have some level of protection against jellyfish stings—however small it may be.
That’s because your neoprene suit will have a “sting guard” sewn into it that is made of flat-knitted polyethylene. This material is much smoother than most wetsuits and acts like a net to catch any sea creatures before they come in contact with your skin.
