- Beachgoers along Europe's Atlantic coast have been warned following an increase in sightings of venomous Portuguese man o' war.
- Local authorities in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in France and San Sebastian in Spain are taking precautionary measures, including using warning flags and temporary swimming bans.
- Although often mistaken for jellyfish, Portuguese man o' war are colonial hydrozoans whose tentacles can inflict painful burns even after death.
- French authorities advise rinsing stings with seawater or a vinegar solution, strictly warning against using fresh water or rubbing the wound.
- Lifeguards along the region's beaches have been trained to identify the marine creatures and provide first aid as sightings continue to rise.
IN FULL
Warning for French and Spanish beaches after Portuguese man o’ war spotted
