The Purple Flag at the Beach: What It Really Means (And Why You Should Pay Attention) 1

Prevention: Wear a rash guard or tightly woven swimsuit. Shower as soon as you leave the water. Don’t sit around in a wet swimsuit.

  1. Portuguese Man o’ War (Not a Jellyfish, But Just as Painful)

The Portuguese man o’ war is a colonial organism (multiple animals living together). Its long tentacles can deliver an extremely painful sting, even to beached specimens.

Symptoms:

Immediate, severe, burning pain

Red, whip-like welts

Fever, muscle cramps, weakness (severe reactions)

What to do:

Rinse with vinegar (to neutralize unfired stinging cells).

Do not rub (can