Update:
Purple flags remain at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Wednesday due to the presence of jellyfish.
Earlier story:
The continued presence of jellyfish mean purple warning flags continue to fly at popular Alabama beaches.
As of Tuesday morning, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both flying purple flags, indicating the presence of potentially hazardous marine life. The purple flags have been up since for the past several days.
Yellow flags, indicating moderately rough surf and tide, are also flying at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, as well as at Panama City, Destin and Fort Walton. Green flags for calm surf and tides are flying in Pensacola.
Portuguese Man O' War
Portuguese Man O' War have been reported at Alabama beaches in recent days.
The creatures aren't actually jellyfish. They are a species of siphonophore, or a colony of genetically identical individuals with various forms and functions that all work together as one, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Man O' War, which takes their name from their resemblance to an 18th century Portuguese warship under full sail, are found mostly in tropical and subtropical seas. They are propelled only by the winds and currents and sometimes float in groups of 1,000 or more.
The Man O' War is recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet or pink, and rises up to 6 inches above the waterline.
What you don't see can cause the problem. Lurking below the float are long strands of tentacles that can reach up to 100 feet. The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. While the Man O' war's sting is rarely deadly to people, it is painful and can cause welts on humans.
The Man O' War is capable of stinging both in the water and on land, even weeks after washing ashore.
Treating jellyfish stings
The Mayo Clinic has step-by-step directions on treating jellyfish stings. You can see those here.
Some things to avoid:
- Scraping out stingers
- Rinsing with seawater
- Rinsing with human urine
- Rinsing with fresh water
- Applying meat tenderizer
- Applying alcohol, ethanol or ammonia
- Rubbing with a towel
- Applying pressure bandages