These graceful ocean dancers can ruin the best of beach days. Jellyfish are common in all waters and the dreaded Portuguese man of war has occasionally found its way into the New England area. The man of war is distinguished from other jellyfish because of its large float, which may appear pink, blue or purple. Man of war tentacles can be as long as 165 feet. Each jellyfish tentacle can house millions of stinging cells, called nematocysts, which eject a barbed thread and sometimes poison.
Dead jellyfish can also be hazardous to beachgoers.
Jellyfish stings can be serious, but are seldom fatal. Usually symptoms include a burning sensation, redness and welts, and swelling of the lymph nodes. In rare cases, a jellyfish sting may induce anaphylactic shock and require hospitalization. Brush off any tentacles. Rinse the wound with fresh or salt water.