In Hawaiian, sea urchins are generally called "wana" (pronounced "vah-na") they are very common in our tropical warm waters. To keep your ocean adventures safe and fun, it's good to know how to avoid these prickly creatures. This guide offers handy prevention tips and shows you what to do if you get a sea urchin sting.
Hawaii's famous marine life and gorgeous beaches attract many visitors and locals. Among the fascinating underwater residents is the wana/ sea urchin. While their vibrant colors and spiky appearance can be intriguing, they can pose a real risk if you accidentally come into contact with them. We'll explore ways to avoid run-ins with wana, the best methods for treating stings, and must-know advice from Hawaiian lifeguards to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time in the ocean.
What Are Wana and Where to Find Them
Wana, or sea urchins, are mostly found in the warm coastal waters of Hawaii, though they inhabit all five oceans of the world. These fascinating creatures typically reside in rocky areas, reefs, and coral formations, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on algae and preventing overgrowth.
Identifying a wana is quite straightforward. These rounded creatures are typically surrounded by sharp spines, which are their main method of protection. At the tips of these spines are pedicellariae, capable of releasing venom. When stepped on or touched, the immediate puncture wounds from the spines can cause severe pain, as they have the potential to penetrate deeply into the skin and inflict a painful sting.
This defense mechanism helps deter predators who might otherwise hunt sea urchins for their silky, edible interior. However, certain animals enjoy dining on sea urchins, including our Native Hawaiian Monk Seals, birds, fish, crabs, and also us humans.
😄 Fun Fact: Did you know that wana (sea urchins) have feet? These pointy creatures don't stay in one spot—they wander around, grazing through corals, the ocean floor, and even up sea walls. So, the next time you spot one, remember that they are little explorers of the underwater world!
Fortunately, the sea urchins found in Hawai'i do not carry venom that is deadly to humans, and most sea urchin spines do not require surgical removal. The needle-sharp wana spines are fragile and brittle, often breaking off easily and embedding themselves in the skin.
Before jumping into the ocean, it’s important to understand where these animals like to hide. Wana tend to occupy crevices in coral reefs or along rocky shorelines. They may blend into their surroundings, making them challenging to see, especially for those who are unfamiliar with these habitats.
How to Avoid Contact with Wana
Avoiding contact with wana requires awareness and prudence during water activities. Here are some effective strategies to help you stay safe:
Wear Protective Footwear: When surfing, snorkeling, or exploring tide pools or rocky beaches, always wear water shoes or durable close-toed slip-resistant sandals. This simple step greatly reduces your risk of stepping on sharp urchin spines and corals, which can cause painful injuries and ruin your entire vacation.
⏩ Get our top footgear picks from Amazon, chosen by our lifeguards.
Careful: Wana/ Sea Urchins can be found both in and out of the water Stick to Designated Swimming Areas: Many Hawaiian beaches feature monitored swimming zones. Staying within these areas minimizes interactions with wana and other dangerous marine life. For instance, at many beaches lifeguards keep watch and can guide you on where it is safe to swim.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on where you swim, snorkel, or dive. If you spot a wana, swim away and maintain a safe distance—ideally around three feet.
Avoid Touching Unknown Creatures: It might be tempting to interact with marine life, but refrain from touching any sea creatures. For example, the colorful and spiky appearance of wana may draw curiosity, but getting too close can result in painful stings.
Illustration by: https://www.brianbritigan.com/sea-urchins Share Information: If you're out with friends or family, ensure everyone knows how to safely navigate potentially hazardous marine environments. Discussing these precautions can increase overall awareness.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly lower your chances of experiencing a painful encounter with wana.
How to Treat Contact Wounds
If you find yourself unlucky enough to experience a wana/urchin puncture, it will cause pain and release a small amount of toxin, which adds to the stinging and discomfort. This may result in a purplish-black discoloration around the punctured area. Typically, the pain subsides within 3-7 days, depending on the size and number of spines involved.
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you do come into contact with a wana/ urchin, follow these steps:
Understand the Risk: Sea urchins found in Hawai'i do not carry deadly venom for humans. Most sea urchin spines do not require surgical removal.
Handle with Care: The needle-sharp wana spines are fragile and brittle. They can break off easily and embed themselves in your skin.
Immediate Action: If spines are embedded in your skin, follow these steps:
Stay Calm: Keep calm to avoid further injury.
Rinse with Salt Water: Immediately rinse the area with salt water (ocean water). Do not use fresh water, as it may release additional toxins from the barbed needles.
Apply an Acidic Solution: Apply an acidic solution, such as vinegar or acidic fruit juice (orange, pineapple) directly to the wound to help alleviate the stinging sensation.
🤔 Should I pee on it? No, peeing on a sea urchin wound is not recommended. While it's a common myth, urine doesn't neutralize the venom or dissolve the spines. Instead, it could introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection
Seek Help from a Lifeguard: If available, seek assistance from a lifeguard who may have additional first aid resources and expertise.
Monitor the Patient: If the injury causes difficulty breathing (anaphylactic shock), administering an epi-pen or using the patient's inhaler may be necessary. Seek urgent care immediately.
At-Home Care: Keep an eye on the affected area and follow these steps:
Soak in Hot Water with White Vinegar: Soak the affected area in hot tap water with white vinegar (as hot as you can tolerate), for 20-40 minutes up to 3 times a day. You can also add Epsom salt to the water. This will help ease the pain and dissolve some of the venom.
Remove Visible Spines: Carefully use tweezers to remove visible spines without digging too deep, as some may dissolve on their own.
⛔ Do not close the wound with tape or glue, which might increase the risk of infection.
Note: Deep puncture wounds are the perfect environment in which to culture an infection, particularly tetanus.
Monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Apply an Antibiotic Ointment to the area to prevent infection.
Keep the Wound Clean and Dry, and do not cover with bandages or tape.
Take over-the-counter Pain Relievers and antihistamines if needed.
Seek Professional Help if Needed:
If the pain doesn’t go away or if there are deeper spines, see a doctor to remove them.
If a spine goes into a joint or tendon (especially in the hand), get medical help to see if surgery is needed.
If a spine is 1 mm or larger, have a doctor check it to prevent infection or other issues.
Lifeguard Tips for Staying Safe
Hawaiian lifeguards are experts at managing ocean hazards, including encounters with wana. Here are some valuable insights they share:
Always Check Conditions: Before entering, consult lifeguards about the water conditions and if there are any areas known to harbor dangerous marine life.
Consider a Safety Course: Taking a local water safety course can prepare you for potential dangers. This training may cover marine life identification and safe swimming practices.
Report Dangerous Situations: If you notice a wana in a popular swimming area, notify a lifeguard immediately so that they can take appropriate action to ensure everyone's safety.
Adhere to Local Guidelines: Different beaches may have specific marine safety guidelines. Familiarize yourself with these rules to remain safe.
Incorporating these safety tips into your beach visits will allow you to enjoy Hawaii's stunning underwater beauty while minimizing risks associated with wana.
Enjoying the Ocean Safely
Aloha! The vibrant colors and unique shapes of wana are really something to see, but remember, it's important to give these sea creatures the respect they deserve. By knowing how to avoid contact and treat any wounds, you can have a safer time exploring Hawaii's stunning shores. Whether you're snorkeling, swimming, or diving, always stay alert and follow the tips from your friendly Hawaiian lifeguards. With these simple precautions, you can enjoy the wonders of Hawaii's waters without worries. Stay safe out there!
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