Love to SCUBA Dive: May 2008

Friday, May 30, 2008

May 30, 2008 newsletter

Join Sea Lions Dive Center as we visit Gilboa Quarry in Ohio June 14 and 15. The Qu

arry is about 5 hours drive from the Dive Center. The quarry features clear cold water diving, lots of fish, an airplane and more. We will be holding Rescue Diver and Advanced classes and will do a night dive on Saturday night. Stop in and view the DVD on our widescreen TV at the Dive Center.

Our next presentation on Wreck Diving at the Dive Center will be June 20, 2008 at 7:30. Renowned wreck diver, wreck finder and diver Paul Ehorn will do a presentation on the wreck of the America in Lake Superior. Our last event was well attended so come early.

Dive t he Bahamas with Sea Lions. We will travel to the Exuma Island from Nassau. Dive, Dive, Eat, Dive, Dive, Sleep, Dive………. November 15, 2008. Watch for air fair special!!!!!!! Can you say fly free????? Watch for news next week. All on a catamaran sail boat. Only takes twelve passengers.

At this writing only two spots left on our Lake Michigan Charter trip on June 8, 2008 on the Len-Der. Call Dive shop for availability

New to diving or have friends you would like to get interested get more information on the Open Water Class here.

Sea Lions Dive Center just returned from Key Largo. Look for pictures next week. Plan now to join us November 28th through November 30th.

MARINE LIFE INJURY TREATMENT - STINGS
Do you know the steps for treating stings from jellyfish, fire coral, hydroids, Portuguese man-o-war and anemones? Did you know the following unproven folk remedies are possibly harmful or even dangerous? Learn more

MARINE LIFE INJURY TREATMENT - STINGS

Do you know the steps for treating stings from jellyfish, fire coral, hydroids, Portuguese man-o-war and anemones? Did you know the following unproven folk remedies are possibly harmful or even dangerous?
Such as:
• Urinating on the injury site
• Making an incision on the sting
• Applying gasoline or oil on the wound
• Applying oxidizing agents, strong alkalis or acidic substances

New recommendations advise against using vinegar for jellyfish injuries, with the exception of treating the sting of the box jellyfish (chironex fleckeri). Do use vinegar for this sting.

Hot water is now the remedy of choice for most jellyfish stings. Studies have found that hot water (113 F) can neutralize the venom in common jellyfish, fire coral, hydroids, Portuguese man-o-war and anemones. Use the following steps:

1. To dislodge any remaining tentacles, flush the area with large amounts of Seawater. Do not use fresh water. Fresh water can trigger any undischarged nematocytes.
2. To neutralize any undischarges nematocytes, immerse the affected area in hot water (113 F) for 30 to 90 minutes.
3. Remove the tentacles with tweezers or forceps.
4. Shave the area with shaving cream and a safety razor. If these are not available, scrape the area with a credit card or such.
5. Apply topical hydrocortisone lotion or cream.
6. Monitor for allergic reaction or infection.
7. If hot water is unavailable, apply warm packs to control pain. If hot water is available, repeat immersion in hot water as necessary to help control pain.
8. If warm packs are not available, apply ice or cold packs to help control pain.

As a general recommendation, do not rub the area and get to medical attention as soon as possible.

Keep a copy of this in your dive log for future reference.