Am coming to Bonaire for the first time in mid Sept. After reading about ears aching, jelly stings and other asundry of potential injury treatments, I have a couple questions.
What is the recipes for the vinegar solution for ears and instructions for it's use? What else is it good for?
Just want to avoid a trip to a clinic.
Any other info would be beneficial too.....thanx cnchfrttr from Fl.

Jill, I carry a bottle of "Swimmer's Ear" with me. You can get it OTC. I have very narrow ear canals and water seems to like to get stuck in them so after each dive I squirt some in each ear.

Jellies and such. They are out in force at full moon and for the next 10 days. I guess I've always timed it right with all my trips as I have only seen small jellies on the surface on a night snorkel about a year ago. I carry a bottle of the jelly sting stuff that most dive shops carry (it's a small bottle)...never had to use it though knock on wood!

My daughter and I were stung by jellies snorkeling at no name beach. Captain Olf sprayed a mixture of vinegar and water on them and it took the sting out immediately. They left a weird looking mark on my arms but my daughters went away the same day. Meat tenderizer works wonders also, also I was told, (It's gross) but urine will do in a bind.(yuck) but I guess it's better than nothing!

We use hydrogen peroxide in our ears after all ocean swims. It works and is cheap and readly available. We bring a small bottle and a dropper each year.

The vinegar solution you're asking about is a mix of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol. It's not so critical to use in salt water as when you are snorkeling in fresh water, but it is still a good idea. The vinegar will keep the baddies from growing in your ear and the alcohol will help evaporate the water. I've never had trouble since I started using this mix. I carry it in one of those traveling solution bottles you can get at any store like Target, just lean my head over, and add in a few drops.. work the ear a little to get it down deep, and do the same for the other ear. Keep a towel or rag handy.. 'cause you're going to smell a bit like a pickle for awhile from what you spill.

Hi
When this thread was started I knew that the subject had been discussed several times before. I also remembered a horror story involving vinegar. Take a look at this!
Mick
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/27/226694.html

thanx for the great info. I shall heed the warnings.

I thought that although it is possible to have a jelly encounter at any time, the swarm period that is often mentioned is 8-10 days after a full mooni.e. start counting 8-10 days after you see the full moon marked on your calendar. I would hate to think anyone is missing the most beautiful full moon in the Bonaire skies if you are planning your trip to avoid this time.Please correct me if I have this wrong.