WMBF reports beach patrol is flying purple flags at lifeguard stands as jellyfish sightings and stings are increasing in the Grand Strand.
North Myrtle Beach Beach Patrol Manager Monty Reed said more than 50 stings were reported across the city’s nine miles of beach before noon on Friday.
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Two jellyfish species have been spotted most frequently along the Grand Strand: moon jellies and sea nettles. Both leave red rashes where they sting, but the reactions differ.
Moon jelly stings appear as a slightly red rash and typically fade within a few hours. Sea nettle stings are less commonly reported and produce a stronger reaction. They appear as darker red lines and blotching that can last at least a day.
Reed said the increase is typical for August.
“It is quite normal for this time of year,” Reed said. “First of all, water temperature; it’s peak water temperature. Jellyfish are swimmers, but they’re very weak swimmers, so they typically just go with the current. So the prevailing easterly winds kind of pushes them closer to shore.”
Beachgoers are encouraged to check the status of lifeguard flags, as purple flags signal the presence of dangerous marine life in the water.
North Myrtle Beach also has a QR code posted at beach access points and lifeguard stands that displays real-time beach conditions, including when a purple flag is in effect.
What to do if you encounter a jellyfish
Jellyfish can also wash up on the beach and still deliver a sting. Beach patrol asks beachgoers not to touch or bury washed-up jellyfish. Instead, notify nearby patrol so they can be removed.
“We don’t want to bury anything in the sand, because kids play in the sand and we don’t want them digging up the sand and getting stung,” Reed said.
Cooper Ramey, a visitor from out of town, said he was stung twice during his family vacation in Myrtle Beach this week.
“The first one felt like a little bee sting, and it went away fast,” Ramey said. “The second one felt like a bad bee sting, and it didn’t go away for like 20 minutes.”
How to treat a jellyfish sting
Reed said the first step after a sting is to make sure no tentacles remain on the skin, which can usually be done by using a firm, flat object such as a credit card.
Once tentacles are removed, hot water is the recommended treatment.
“Really, the best thing you do is you want to use hot water,” Reed said. “Hot water therapy really is gonna help with the pain. If that’s not readily available, you can always use an ice pack. Those are the kind of the main thing is hot water therapy and cold water if you don’t have hot water available.”
All lifeguard stations carry supplies to assist with jellyfish stings.