DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has issued a warning to beachgoers following a reported surge in jellyfish along the province’s coastal areas.
Kapya Flores, head of the Emergency Operations Center Unit of the PDRRMO, said on April 22 that more than 80 cases of jellyfish stings have been reported this year, particularly in the cities of Alaminos and Dagupan and the towns of Binmaley and Lingayen.
Most of the victims were teenagers, including some with underlying medical conditions. The incidents were promptly addressed with immediate first aid, and the victims were closely monitored to prevent complications such as allergic reactions.
Flores explained that the increase in jellyfish numbers is due to the extreme heat brought by the easterlies and other environmental factors.
“Warmer waters can cause the jellyfish to reproduce more due to the ideal conditions and temperature. This, along with changes in currents and wind patterns, increases the likelihood of jellyfish being washed closer to shore,” she said during PIA Pangasinan’s Pantongtongan Tayo virtual press conference on April 22.
To prevent jellyfish stings, people are advised to wear protective clothing and footwear, avoid touching jellyfish even if they appear dead, use jellyfish-repellent lotion, and pay attention to marine hazard warning signs.
Purple flag placed
The Pangasinan PDRRMO, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), has placed purple flags along the shores to signal the presence of jellyfish and other hazardous marine life in the water.
In case of an emergency, Flores, citing the advice of health experts, recommended using vinegar as the first aid treatment for the affected area and seeking immediate medical help.
“Vinegar will neutralize the nematocysts–the tiny tentacles of the jellyfish that inject the poison and cannot be removed,” she advised.
Flores discouraged the use of bottled water, fabric towels, and urine as first aid, as they can worsen the sting and trigger the release of more venom.
Responders on alert
Flores assured responders, including lifeguards and medical teams, will stay on standby to ensure a safer and more secure celebration of Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival) 2025 on May 1 and throughout summer vacation.
Meanwhile, Flores reported that five drowning incidents were logged by their office during the observance of Semana Santa 2025.
“Four drowned in the river, and one in the coastal area. Most of them were elderly,” she said.
Although a decrease in drowning cases was observed–11 in 2023 and seven in 2024–Flores reminded the public not to be complacent in water activities, especially this dry season when swimming is more common.
Flags are also strategically placed on beaches to indicate water conditions and prevent drownings.
A green flag means it is safe to swim in calm water conditions, while a yellow flag signals caution due to potential strong currents or waves. A red flag, meanwhile, means swimming is not recommended due to dangerous water conditions.
Through continued vigilance, proper first aid knowledge, and adherence to established protocols, residents and tourists alike can help ensure a safe and memorable summer along Pangasinan’s shores. (CCMT/MTR/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
