[imagesource:safarinow]

Cape Town beachgoers have been urged to keep to lifeguard-protected beaches after two separate biting incidents this past Saturday.

One encounter is said to have involved a feisty seal, while the other culprit remains a mystery – though early signs hint it may have been a small shark.

Swimmers are encouraged to stay cautious and enjoy the waters where safety measures are in place, as local authorities monitor the situation closely.

National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon clarified that the two recent biting incidents were unrelated. The first occurred at Blue Waters in False Bay, while the second took place at Big Bay in Bloubergstrand.

At around lunchtime on Saturday, the City of Cape Town’s water rescue network was set into motion by the NSRI’s emergency operations centre after a distress call reported a 65-year-old man bitten by “a marine animal” while chest-deep in the surf at Blue Waters Beach. Lifeguards quickly came to his aid, treating wounds on his hand and leg, per TimesLIVE.

People who saw the attack said they thought the man had been bitten by a small shark, but his wounds are being investigated to determine the species that attacked him.

Lifeguards promptly informed other rescue teams that the man was safely out of the water, in good spirits, and under their care. They bandaged his wounds, and he was able to walk on his own before being taken to the hospital for further treatment and care.

Meanwhile, later in the afternoon, the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club reported that a local man who was out on an open water swim had sustained a small seal bite.

When the man made it back to shore, he was advised to clean his wound thoroughly and head to the hospital for a proper evaluation. All relevant authorities were notified of the incident to ensure follow-up and safety measures.

Being bitten by a seal right now is especially serious as a significant portion of the species is suffering from rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be fatal to humans if the bite goes untreated.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline doctors have been advised to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis for anyone who is bitten by a rabid seal.

If bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, your first step is to clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. This is a critical step and one that you can take immediately. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to seek further medical attention. Here, you will be assessed and arrangements made for you to receive post-exposure prophylaxis, which usually includes a series of rabies vaccinations as well as RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), depending on the nature of the bite. RIG are not available everywhere – the doctor will guide you as to your next step. The doctor can call the nearest public sector hospital to determine where vaccine and RIG stocks are available.

Even if you don’t suspect being bitten by a rabid seal or sea animal, rather go to the doctor for a check-up.

Stay safe in the waters this summer, folks!

[source:timeslive]