Stingrays are present in the waters off Myrtle Beach. These marine animals are a natural component of the coastal ecosystem, and encountering them is a possibility for beachgoers. Understanding their behaviors and habitats can help visitors enjoy the ocean responsibly while minimizing the chance of an unexpected interaction.
Stingrays in Myrtle Beach: A Common Sight
Stingrays are a regular presence in the marine environment of Myrtle Beach. Several species are commonly found, including the Southern stingray, Atlantic stingray, and Cownose ray. Southern stingrays are generally larger, while Atlantic stingrays are smaller with more pointed snouts. Cownose rays are distinctive for their head shape and tend to swim in schools, often in deeper waters, unlike other rays that rest on the bottom. They are not aggressive creatures.
These rays are cartilaginous fish, meaning their skeletons are made of cartilage rather than bone, a characteristic they share with sharks. They use their flattened bodies and wing-like fins to glide through the water or to camouflage themselves by burying in the sand. While they possess a venomous barb for defense, they only use it when they feel threatened, usually when accidentally stepped upon.
Where and When to Find Stingrays
Stingrays in Myrtle Beach typically inhabit shallow, warm, and sandy bottom areas. They often conceal themselves by burying just beneath the sand, with only their eyes and breathing spiracles visible, making them difficult to spot. These preferred locations include areas near inlets and sandbars, or any spot where the ocean floor is soft and allows for their camouflage.
Stingrays are more prevalent during the warmer months, particularly throughout the summer, when water temperatures are higher. Although they are present year-round, the increased number of people in the water during summer leads to more frequent interactions. This makes late spring through early fall the period when beachgoers are most likely to encounter them in the shallow surf zone.
Safe Interactions with Stingrays
Minimizing the chance of a stingray encounter involves awareness and a simple technique. The most effective method is known as the “stingray shuffle.” This involves shuffling your feet along the sandy bottom instead of lifting them with each step as you wade into the water.
This shuffling motion creates vibrations and disturbs the sand, which alerts any hidden stingrays to your presence. The vibrations encourage the stingrays to swim away before you can accidentally step on them. Practicing this shuffle, especially in murky or shallow waters where stingrays may be buried, significantly reduces the risk of a sting.
Responding to a Stingray Sting
If a stingray sting occurs, immediate action can help manage the discomfort and prevent complications. The first step is to exit the water and clean the wound thoroughly with seawater to remove any sand or debris. After cleaning, immerse the affected area in water as hot as can be tolerated, ideally between 104 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (40 to 46 degrees Celsius), for 30 to 90 minutes. The heat helps to neutralize the venom and alleviate pain.
Applying pressure to control any bleeding is also important. While soaking, gently remove any visible fragments of the barb from the wound, but avoid removing deeply embedded stingers, particularly from sensitive areas like the neck, chest, or abdomen, as this requires medical attention. Following these initial steps, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation, even if the pain subsides, to ensure proper wound care, check for any remaining barb pieces, and address potential infection. Medical professionals may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, which is a common risk with stingray injuries.