Goa is hands down the most popular place to visit in India during the New Year.
The cool weather, awesome parties, plethora of foods and drinks, and exotic beaches are the perfect recipe for an amazing New Year's Eve. However, that's not necessarily the case for lifeguards, as their workload has drastically increased.
Over 850 cases of jellyfish stings have been reported on Goa beaches in the last three months. The data was provided by the lifeguards.
Around 710 cases were reported from the lesser-known beaches in South Goa.
Betalbatim - 225
Colva - 180
Benaulim - 50
Zalor - 50
Around 140 cases were reported from beaches in North Goa.
Calangute - 60
Baga - 60
Sinquerim - 20
A swimathon event also reported 125 complaints of jellyfish stings.
Jellyfish attacks were once considered to be rare in Goa. Lifeguards provide first aid treatment by spraying the affected area with vinegar and warm water to prevent the spread of toxins.
Severe symptoms can include difficulty in breathing, muscle cramps, chest pain, skin blisters, abdominal pain, numbness, tingling, excessive sweating, etc.
(Input from various media sources)