Get out of the water safely and alert the lifeguard or beach staff. If you suspect a box jellyfish sting, or the person has severe or increasing pain, trouble breathing, dizziness or collapse, call 995 promptly. Tell the dispatcher the beach, nearest access point and how much skin was stung. AVS box jellyfish first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
Keep the person still and stay with them. Avoid rubbing the sting or handling tentacles with bare hands. If someone is still in distress in the water, alert trained rescuers. Untrained bystanders should stay out of the water and call for help. AVS box jellyfish first aid · SCDF water rescue guidance
- Get to shore safely and alert lifeguards.
- Call 995 for a suspected box jellyfish sting or severe symptoms.
- Follow lifeguard and dispatcher instructions and avoid rubbing the sting.
On this page · If a Box Jellyfish Sting Is Suspected · Pain Relief for a Non-Life-Threatening Sting · Watch for Changes While Help Is Coming · Frequently Asked Questions
If a Box Jellyfish Sting Is Suspected
AVS advises flooding the sting with seawater and, if available, plain vinegar for at least 30 seconds. If vinegar makes the pain worse, AVS advises stopping it and using seawater only. Avoid freshwater or urine for the initial rinse. After flooding, AVS advises using a towel or tweezers for tentacles. Follow beach staff or 995 guidance and keep emergency care moving. AVS box jellyfish first aid
Pain Relief for a Non-Life-Threatening Sting
Singapore’s 2026 first-aid guidelines discuss heated water at 40–45°C or a hot pack for pain relief. This is a separate step from the AVS instructions for a suspected box jellyfish sting. Ask the lifeguard for help, particularly for a child, and avoid water or packs that could burn skin. Severe symptoms or a suspected box jellyfish sting take priority over pain relief. Singapore First Aid Guidelines 2026 · AVS box jellyfish first aid
Watch for Changes While Help Is Coming
Report breathing difficulty, worsening pain, dizziness or collapse immediately. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, tell 995 and follow CPR instructions. Send another person to meet responders if available. AVS box jellyfish first aid · Singapore CPR and AED Guidelines 2026 · SCDF emergency medical services
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rub sand on a sting?
Avoid rubbing. Use the beach team’s instructions for rinsing and dealing with tentacles. AVS box jellyfish first aid
Can I pick up a jellyfish washed onto shore?
Keep away. AVS advises against touching jellyfish on the beach or in the water. AVS box jellyfish first aid
What landmark should I give 995?
Use the beach name and a lifeguard post, numbered sign or nearest usable entrance. SCDF emergency medical services
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Snakebite in Singapore | First Aid and When to Call 995
- Dog or Cat Bite in Singapore | How to Clean the Wound and When to See a Doctor
- Electric Shock in Singapore | How to Make the Scene Safe and When to Call 995
- Drowning Emergency in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.