Daytona Beach, FL - Be careful in and around the water at Volusia County’s beaches, some are reporting Portuguese Man O’ War sightings.
These jellyfish are brightly colored—most commonly blue, but can also be pink or purple—and they’re toxic; thankfully they’re rarely deadly to humans.
“There’s no real season, they’re pretty much at the mercy of the wind and currents so they just show up here periodically,” said Volusia Beach Safety Deputy Chief Tammy Malphurs.
While allergic reactions to Man O’ War stings are somewhat rare, they’re still something to avoid as a Man O’ War sting can really pack a punch. If you’re stung by a Man O’ War, Malphurs says you should go to one of the beach's many staffed lifeguard towers and ask for help. Lifeguards carry vinegar with them, which is commonly used to treat jellyfish stings. It’s also recommended that you remove any tentacles.
It’s also unsafe to touch a Man O’ War, even if it’s out of the water as its cnidocytes—the cells that house a jellyfish’s stingers—can still fire even when they’re dead.
Be safe, and always swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.
Other Tips For Sting Treatment
Tips provided by StoneageMan.com