Swimmers warned of stingray threat

Dubai: Swimmers taking a dip in the sea should be on the guard - stingrays may be lying camouflaged in the shallow waters catching some sun as temperatures drop further offshore.
According to marine biologist John Burt from the Department of Natural Science and Public Health at Zayed University, the rays are moving closer to the shoreline to catch the sun.
"These shallow depths allow for warmer water temperatures compared with the deeper off-shore environment. This is a natural process, as these warmer waters can enhance metabolism and development in the rays. As the summer heat recedes, the waters in the Arabian Gulf begin to cool. This is the season where local stingray populations begin to move closer to shore, often resulting in incidence of stings with beachgoers," he said.
Burt said the best way to avoid stings is to let the ray know of your presence by walking heavily or shuffling your feet as you walk. Rays will try to avoid humans when they know they are around, and will only strike when surprised.
In Dubai, the dominant beach ray species is the Blackspot Stingray. This species is generally small, usually about 30cm in length. "It does have a stinging barb in its tail which can be quite painful to surprised waders who may happen to step on one. Because this species has a habit of burrowing in the sand in the shallow water, and is camouflaged to match this environment, they can be hard to notice, even for people on the lookout," said Burt.
If stepped on by an unknowing beachgoer, the ray will strike with its barbed tail, said Burt. This generally results in a wound to the foot or ankle area but is not life-threatening.
Severe pain
According to Burt a different and larger species of stingray was involved in the incident which killed revered Australian naturalist 'STEVE IRWIN' last year.
Dr Seema, a family doctor from Welcare Hospital, said the pain is very strong and anybody whi is stung should try not to move the foot or ankle where the sting has struck.
"You don't need to tie a tourniquet but it will be very painful and the person may feel dizzy or faint and should be taken to hospital as soon as possible. The doctor would then examine the wound and probably give a tetanus injection," she said.
"It's difficult to say how long the pain would last but it might take a while to subside."