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

4. invisible, but they pack a punch.

Symptoms of sea lice “stings”:

Intense itching and redness

Small, raised welts (often under swimsuit areas – because the larvae get trapped between fabric and skin)

Rash appears hours after leaving the water

What to do:

Shower immediately after leaving the water (rinse off larvae before they sting).

Wash swimsuits in hot water and detergent.

Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for itching.

Take oral antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin) for severe itching.

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.

How to Protect Yourself When the Purple Flag Is Flying
Do:

Swim near a lifeguard station (they can provide first aid and alert you to hazards).

Wear water shoes (protects against stingrays and sea urchins).

Shuffle your feet (stingray shuffle).

Shower immediately after leaving the water (rinse off sea