What to Know
- Man O’ War is a creator that is hard to see in the sand and pack a sting that is more severe than your average jellyfish.
- If you do get stung, crews advise you to carefully remove the tentacles and apply a warm or cold compress as the pain should subside.
Beachgoers in South Florida are being advised to watch out for a stinging danger that has shown up of late both in the water and on the sand.
They’re called Man O’ War – a creator that is hard to see in the sand and pack a sting that is more severe than your average jellyfish.
An east wind has brought extra creatures toward the area, prompting lifeguards to keep purple flag flying on the beach meaning there's dangerous marine life around.
Galya Grushevksa had to take care of her young son, Robert, after he stepped on one while walking along Sunny Isles Beach.
“After that, we don’t walk near the ocean,” she said.
“It’s like a shock,” said Sunny Isles Beach Ocean Rescue member Max Fanjul, who said he has been stun himself at least 10 times and has treated close to 50 people with his crew over the last week. “Don’t touch them at all. Keep away.”
Local
If you do get stung, crews advise you to carefully remove the tentacles and apply a warm or cold compress as the pain should subside in about half an hour.
