Remedies & first-aid for open water

Got stung? Don't panic, it's more common than you think.

1. 1Get out of the water calmly and stay still to slow venom spread.
2. 2Rinse the area with sea water (not fresh water, it can trigger more stingers).
3. 3Remove any visible tentacles with a gloved hand, tweezers, or the edge of a card, don't rub.
4. 4Soak in hot water (around 45°C / as hot as is comfortable) for 20–45 minutes to ease pain.
5. 5Seek medical help for large stings, breathing trouble, or a known allergy.

Cramps happen, the key is to stay calm and float.

1. 1Roll onto your back and float; signal a coach or safety kayak.
2. 2Gently stretch the cramped muscle (e.g. pull toes toward you for a calf cramp).
3. 3Breathe slowly, tension makes cramps worse.
4. 4Head to shore once it eases; hydrate and stretch afterwards.

Currents can pull you out, don't fight them head-on.

1. 1Stay calm and keep floating; conserve energy.
2. 2Don't swim straight back against the current.
3. 3Swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the pull, then angle in.
4. 4Raise an arm and call for help, our kayak support is watching.

Goa sun is strong even at 7 AM.

1. 1Apply reef-safe, water-resistant sunblock 20 minutes before swimming.
2. 2Reapply after towelling off; wear a swim cap.
3. 3Hydrate before and after, bring water to every session.
4. 4For sunburn: cool the skin, moisturise, and stay out of the sun until it heals.

A mouthful of salt water is unpleasant but usually harmless.

1. 1Stop, float or tread water, and cough it out.
2. 2Regain your breathing rhythm before continuing.
3. 3Rinse your mouth with fresh water back on shore.
4. 4Persistent coughing, wheezing or breathlessness afterwards? See a doctor.

Early monsoon and deep water can chill you faster than expected.

1. 1Signal and head to shore before shivering sets in.
2. 2Change into warm, dry clothes straight away.
3. 3Warm up gradually with a hot drink, avoid very hot showers immediately.
4. 4Build cold tolerance slowly over sessions, never in one go.