ENVIRONMENT Jellyfish join swimmers in water, on...

ENVIRONMENT

Jellyfish join swimmers in water, on sand in Newport

Sizzling temperatures around the Southland brought the crowds out

to area beaches last week. Joining them in the surf, and sometimes on

the sand, were rarely seen black jellyfish.

The creatures left some beachgoers with a sting stronger than

sunburn.

Lifeguards have been carrying spray bottles with vinegar, one of

the few treatments for the stings, since the jellyfish showed up.

More than 100 people have been stung by the sea creatures in the past

week, according to a lifeguard watch commander.

The stinging pests are probably black jellyfish, said Orange Coast

College marine science professor Dennis Kelly.

For the record, it’s the tentacles, not the body of the jellyfish,

that people should watch out for. The tentacles have stinging cells

that shoot into the victim.

Despite a potentially painful outcome, the reddish purple

gelatinous creatures still drew attention on the beach from curious

children. Lifeguards are armed with vinegar, but anyone who comes in

contact with the stinging tentacles has other treatment options.

If someone immediately urinates on the area of the sting it will

neutralize the sting.