Girl stung by jellyfish at Changi Beach, sent to hospital

A girl was conveyed to the hospital after she was stung by a jellyfish at Changi Beach at around 3pm on Jan. 26.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, a passer-by who was strolling along the beach at the time, said the girl appeared to be around eight years old.

"[I saw] a mark left by the jellyfish's tentacles on her leg. She looked like she was in pain, but [her injury] was probably not very serious. Her parents were also by her side," recounted the passer-by.

According to a photo taken by the passer-by, paramedics could be seen at the scene attending to the girl's wound.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed they received a call for assistance at around 3:30pm on Sunday.

SCDF conveyed one person to Changi General Hospital.

Allegedly not the first case

A manager who works at a restaurant nearby surmised that the girl, who was in a swimming suit, was out in the sea when the jellyfish got to her, reported Shin Min.

"The girl was crying. Someone subsequently called for an ambulance, which conveyed her to a hospital," he added.

The manager also shared that this was the second time he witnessed someone being stung by a jellyfish.

The previous incident apparently took place in 2024.

Mixed reactions from other visitors

When Shin Min reporters arrived at the scene of the incident on Jan. 26 afternoon, they saw many parents and their children hanging out at the beach.

There were also some carrying out water sports activities out at sea.

One member of the public told the Chinese daily that she would bring her children to the beach to play almost every week.

"However, my children usually do not go swimming in the water. We had also never heard of similar incidents previously," shared the parent.

However, upon learning about the girl's ordeal, the parent said she might ask her children not to go near the sea, as jellyfish are venomous.

In contrast, a person doing water sports shared that he is not particularly concerned about being stung by jellyfish, citing such incidents are "not common".

"Besides jellyfish, there are also catfish and stingrays in the sea. They can sting people with their barbs, too," he added.

What to do after being stung?

The Shin Min reporters also spotted a signboard along the beach, which cautioned the public about the possible presence of jellyfish and what they should do if they were to encounter one.

According to the National Parks Board (NParks), those stung by a jellyfish should get onshore promptly and seek immediate medical attention by calling 995.

They are advised not to rub the wound or attempt to remove the tentacles with their hands, as these actions can cause the stinging cells to release more venom into their bodies.

Instead, they should flush the sting area with seawater for at least 30 seconds and remove the tentacles using a towel or tweezers.

Members of the public who spot jellyfish are also encouraged to contact NParks via its feedback form.

Top images via Shin Min Daily News