Jensen Beach, Fla. (WSVN) – People on some Florida beaches are wary of blue sea creatures washing up along the Treasure Coast and are watching their steps, but their bites can cause large bites. It may cause a shock.
Portuguese man-o-wars have been spotted all along the Jensen Beach shoreline this weekend.
“It looks like bubbles,” said the bather.
Another beachgoer said, “I immediately remembered the cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Man-o-war is closely related to jellyfish.
A woman from Tennessee said it was her first time seeing it.
“I thought it was fascinating because I had never seen it before,” she said.
Fascinating for some, fear-inducing for others.
“It’s a little scary,” said one beachgoer.
For this beachgoer, the sting several years ago is a painful memory.
“It’s worse than a bee sting. It’s worse, it’s worse,” she said.
These sea creatures are a poignant reminder to beachgoers to be careful where they swim and where they step.
“I came out barefoot, so I’m going back to get my shoes,” said the stung beachgoer.
Man o’ wars can sting even weeks after washing ashore.
Martin County Marine Rescue Lt. Chris Dunn said this is the time of year for residents to be wary of man-o-war.
“It has to do with the strength of the winter storms we get, which blow storms from the Gulf Stream onto the coast,” he says.
Dunn said the best way for beachgoers to avoid getting stung is to be aware of their surroundings.
“They’re really distinctive. They’re visible so keep your eyes peeled and you can avoid getting stung by them just by looking,” he said.
The bite may also cause welt swelling on the exposed skin. One way to tell if a man-o-war is nearby is to see if a lifeguard is holding a purple flag. They warn about dangerous marine life.
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