Stingray Sting Injures Woman at Outer Banks Beach

In the scenic city of Nags Head, NC, a beach day turned alarming for one woman after she was stung by a stingray while swimming at Jennette’s Pier on Sunday. Nawal Baker was enjoying the water with a friend when she experienced a sudden, sharp pain in her foot.

Unexpected Pain

At first, Baker assumed she had been bitten by a small shark, prompting a quick exit from the surf. “As soon as I fell onto the sand, it was just one of the worst bits of pain I’ve ever felt in my entire life,” she recalled. Visible blood started to flow from her foot, and panic set in as she tried to assess the situation.

The Realization

Initially thinking her injury was minor, Baker was shocked upon discovering it was a stingray sting. “That small little hole — I was like, it’s nothing,” she said. “But the pain did not show what was happening inside.”

Community Support

Fortunately, a nearby paramedic, Debbie Wilson, quickly came to Baker’s aid. She helped keep Baker calm during the chaos, encouraging her to focus on her breathing and wiggling her toes. Wilson even placed Baker’s foot in warm water, a common remedy for stingray injuries.

Team Effort

Wilson emphasized the collective effort of beachgoers who rushed to provide assistance. “I was just a small part of the whole process of all the people that helped,” she said, highlighting the importance of community support during emergencies.

Ongoing Precautions

After administering first aid, Baker was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Reports indicated that she was among at least five individuals stung by stingrays in that vicinity the same day. Local authorities have yet to provide official confirmation regarding the other cases.

This incident serves as a reminder to beachgoers to stay alert while enjoying the water, as marine life can pose unexpected dangers. Swimming safely and being aware of your surroundings can greatly reduce the chances of such encounters.

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.