Sea snakes are one of the abundant water dwelling creatures. Sea snakes are marine inhabitants that are often found in warm oceans. They are known to possess paddled-like tails that make them good swimmers. But unlike other marine dwellers; sea snakes regularly resurface to breathe as they do not possess gills that enable them to breathe underwater.
Facts about Sea Snakes
Sea snakes are not aggressive unless they are provoked. However, some species of sea snakes are known for their poisonous venom. Incidents of sea snake bites among scuba divers have been reported frequently.
Venom of Sea Snakes
Not all sea snakes have venom that can cause harmful poisoning effects. However, sea snakes with severely poisonous venom can inflict neurologic toxic reactions or even death to those individuals who are bitten by them.
Sea Snakes and Scuba Divers
How do divers provoke sea snakes? Scuba divers may accidentally disturb sea snakes which may cause them to attack especially if they are interrupted during their mating season. Suspended objects like a diver’s regulator hose can attract sea snakes and, as a result, scuba divers are often caught handling them. Photos of scuba divers holding various sea snakes have been circulated across various online sites and journals as evidence. Scuba divers should be very cautious and should not disturb, handle, or inflict injury to sea snakes or they may soon be a victim of a sea snake bite.
Symptoms of Sea Snake Bite
Early symptoms include one or more of the following:
- Weakness
- Numbness on bite site
- Thickening of the tongue
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slurred speech
- Increased salivation
- Joint pains
Severe poisoning symptoms may include:
- Paralysis
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooping eyelids
- Double vision
- Brown urine
- Lockjaw
Treatments for a Sea Snake Bite
- It is best to recognize the type of sea snake that has bitten a scuba diver. Identifying the type of sea snake will aid in proper treatment and management of the victim.
- Using a wide bandage, provide first aid management by wrapping the affected site or limb firmly.
- Make sure that the bandage is not too tight to impair blood circulation. Fingers or toes should appear pink and no bluish discoloration.
- Do not suck the venom out of the bite site. This is a common practice among those who do not know the danger of doing this action. Sucking out of the bite site can cause transfer of venom to your mouth.
- Immediately transfer the victim to a hospital facility for proper treatment and management of the sea snake bite.
Prevention of a Sea Snake Bite
- Do not, in any way, provoke sea snakes. These creatures do not cause injury unless they sense harm or annoyance.
- Be familiar with the dive site. Warm-water oceans are more commonly inhabited by sea snakes than colder waters.
- Learn first aid techniques for treatment of sea snake bites and become familiar with the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility that can provide immediate management to victims of a sea snake bite.