The Purple Flag at the Beach: The Important Warning Most Beachgoers Ignore

of lifting and stepping. This alerts stingrays to your presence, and they’ll swim away rather than being stepped on.

3. 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 trigger more stinging).

Remove tentacles with tweezers or a gloved hand.

Apply heat (hot water immersion).

Seek medical attention for severe pain or systemic symptoms.

Important: Man o’ war tentacles can still sting even after the animal is dead on the beach. Don’t touch them.

4. Sea Lice (Tiny Terrors)
   Sea lice aren’t actually lice. They’re the larvae of certain jellyfish and sea anemones. They’re nearly