Consul's guide: Navigating Croatia's sea dangers swimming safely

A popular European summer destination - Croatia - attracts many tourists from around the world. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Zagreb shares useful tips on traveling to and staying in Croatia via social media. The series "Your Consul's Tips and Advice" has been top-rated on Facebook for years. In June, the topic of dangerous land animals was discussed, and now it’s time to focus on sea creatures to watch out for while swimming.

In the first part of the guide on dangerous animals in Croatia, the Embassy warned about creatures that can be encountered on land, particularly during trips to places like Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park.

As the Embassy reminds us, you need to be exceptionally careful not only during nature excursions. "Hot, sunny days and vacation relaxation are incomplete without beloved sea bathing, especially enjoyed by children. Remember, this is also the natural habitat for many organisms, including dangerous ones."

While swimming in the Adriatic, be particularly wary of sea urchins, which often reside in shallow waters and are easy to step on.

"The sting itself is not harmful, but it is very unpleasant, causing pain and redness. If stung, carefully remove the spines with tweezers and disinfect the wound to prevent bacterial growth. If you cannot remove all the spines, seek medical assistance to prevent inflammation," the post advises.

In the water, also watch out for jellyfish, which often stay close to shore, freely floating in the water. "Encountering them can be very unpleasant due to their tentacles – stingers, which inject venom upon contact," the Embassy warns.

The symptoms of a jellyfish sting are immediate and painful. The sting initially causes severe pain and burning in the affected area, significant swelling, and linear skin redness. It is best to rinse the sting with seawater, then vinegar, disinfect it, and remove the tentacles with tweezers. In cases of severe burns, seek medical attention.

Besides sea urchins and jellyfish, be alert for characteristic sea anemones. "They look like spaghetti, leading a sedentary lifestyle, typically attached to rocks on the sea floor. Their tentacles contain a toxic substance released upon contact," the guide explains. In case of contact, immediately rinse the affected area with clean water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and soothe the pain. Later, take an antihistamine or drink calcium if needed.

Those who enjoy diving must be cautious of the moray eel – the most well-known poisonous predatory fish living in caves and rocky crevices. "Bites result in various symptoms - redness, swelling, pain, cramps, difficulty breathing. Treatment often requires medical attention," the Embassy warns.

Finally, the consul reminds us that animals attack out of fear and to defend their territory. If we do not disturb them and simply move away, we will not be in danger.