John Ryan Jr., the head lifeguard of the East Hampton Town calls them “sea pests” but the sting by a Portuguese man-o-war jellyfish is more than just a “pest” as it packs a powerful and painful sting that needs immediate attention to help relieve discomfort.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), although the Portuguese man-o-war resembles the common jellyfish, it is actually a species of the “siphonophore, a group of animals similar to jellyfish.
Last week this man-o-war was discovered on Indian Wells beach, seemingly deceased, however, even when dead, a man-o-war can still sting if touched for even a few days later.
Typically, the jellyfish are more common in August according to Mr. Ryan, but there have been sightings of others along the shoreline at various beaches in East Hampton.
For the full article by Christopher Gangemi of the East Hampton Star – with helpful tips on what to do if you’re stung and more: