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How to Protect Yourself from Stingrays. Death by stingray is extremely rare, but getting
hit with their barb still hurts like hell – which is why you need to learn how to
play footsie safely with these sea creatures. You will need An ability to shuffle your feet
Very hot water or a chemical heat pack Water shoes (optional) Stingray guards or leggings
(optional) and a thermometer (optional). Step 1. Know where stingrays like to hang out – in
shallow water along the ocean shoreline and near the mouth of a bayou. Step 2. Do The
Stingray Shuffle. Slide your feet along the ocean floor rather than lifting them; it will
prevent you from stepping down *** a stingray – the most common way of getting stuck by
the serrated stinger on its tail. Plus, the movement warns stingrays that you're in the
area. Step 3. Consider wearing water shoes. If you do step on a stingray, your footwear
may prevent the barb from penetrating. Step 4. If you're stepping into murky water from
a boat, poke around with a stick before you set down your foot. Invest in stingray guards
or leggings if you do a lot of wade fishing. Step 5. If you do get stung and are bleeding,
apply pressure to stem the bleeding and seek immediate medical care. Step 6. If the injury
is minor, remove the stinger with tweezers, being careful not to squeeze it further into
the skin. Clean the area with soap and water, and plunge it the hottest water you can tolerate
for 30 minutes. Or, apply a chemical heat pack. The heat kills the venom that causes
the intense pain. Test the water with a thermometer before immersing the wounded area so you don't
burn yourself. The water shouldn't be above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 7. Have a doctor
clean out the wound to make sure none of the barb remains in your body. Left-behind pieces
will cause infection. Did you know About 1,500 Americans are injured by stingrays every year.