Watch Out for Portuguese Man o'War on the beach

New Forest District Council have reported that a Portuguese Man o'War (a jellyfish-like creature) has recently washed ashore at Milford on Sea beach, and more are expected. 

Picture by NFDC

NFDC are advising people and their dogs to keep away if you spot any more. 

Swimmers are advised to wear full body suits to protect themselves, while parents taking children or dogs to the beach are warned to exercise "extreme caution".

The Portuguese Man o'War is not actually a jellyfish. It is a colonial hydrozoan. They live on the surface of the open ocean, and can't swim. So, they are at the mercy of the winds, which is why they often end up washed ashore after big storms.

They look like a deflated balloon on sand and in shallow water, and they have tentacles which can deliver severe and painful stings. They can still sting you even weeks after having washed been ashore.

The Portuguese Man o'War is not a new visitor to Milford on Sea, as annual sighting have become quite regular each year. Although, they normally wash up on UK beaches during the autumn months. 

Sightings can be reported to the Marine Conservation Society by clicking here.

Marine Conservation Society - Portuguese Man o'War