Purple flags are now flying along every St. Johns County beach, as lifeguards warn swimmers and shoreline walkers to watch out for Portuguese man-o-war washing up and leaving painful stings in their wake. The county’s marine rescue team says those bright blue floaters can still fire venomous tentacles even when they look dried out and lifeless on the sand. Patrols have been stepped up, and officials are urging extra caution for swimmers, walkers and pets while the influx continues. County authorities are also reminding visitors of the basic first-aid steps to take if someone gets stung.
County raises purple flags after sightings
St. Johns County Marine Rescue raised purple flags at all county beaches after reports of Portuguese man-o-war along the shoreline, according to Action News Jax. The station reports that the purple flag signals a marine pest hazard and alerts beachgoers that lifeguards are actively monitoring the affected areas. Officials told the outlet that anyone who is stung should avoid rinsing the area with fresh water, since that can make the sting worse. Swimmers were advised to stay close to a lifeguard tower if they head into the surf.
What the purple flag means
Florida’s statewide beach-warning program uses a purple flag to indicate dangerous marine life such as jellyfish and similar creatures, and to warn visitors to use extra caution in the water, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The purple flag is designed to fly alongside other colored flags so people can quickly read both surf conditions and biological risks. Local lifeguard stands and beach access points typically post the day’s flags with brief explanations and suggested precautions.
How to treat a suspected sting
St. Johns County Marine Rescue recommends carefully removing any visible tentacles with gloves or a towel, rinsing the area with vinegar to help neutralize unfired stingers, and then soaking the sting in water as hot as the person can comfortably tolerate to ease pain, according to Action News Jax. Medical guidance can vary by species; national health resources note that fresh water can cause more nematocysts to fire and that hot-water immersion or salt-water rinses are commonly advised to reduce pain and limit further venom release, per MedlinePlus. Anyone who has trouble breathing, chest pain, or signs of a severe allergic reaction should seek emergency care or call 911.
Why they wash up
Experts say mass strandings of floating colonial animals like the Portuguese man-o-war are often driven by wind and current patterns. Persistent onshore winds and swells can push them into the surf zone, where they eventually end up on the beach. Meteorologists and fisheries specialists have cited onshore winds and recent coastal conditions as common ingredients in similar wash-up events along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, according to reporting in the Houston Chronicle. When those patterns line up with the Gulf Stream, particular stretches of shoreline can suddenly see clusters of sightings.
What beachgoers should do
Officials say visitors should pay close attention to posted flags and swim only in lifeguarded areas; the National Park Service advises people not to touch or pick up a man-o-war on the sand, since its tentacles can still sting even after it washes ashore. If someone is stung, contact a lifeguard and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance, per Florida’s Poison Control Centers. Pet owners are urged to keep animals away from washed-up specimens, and residents and visitors alike are encouraged to check local beach or county websites and social feeds for the latest safety updates before heading out.
