Lifeguards warning people at the beach about man o' war

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A warning for people heading to the beach across South Florida.

It is the time of year when Portuguese man-o-war wash up along our beaches.

The man o’ war is a purple-blue colored balloon-type organism found in the ocean that floats on the water and have tentacles that hang down that can cause a nasty sting.

The stings can be painful but also dangerous.

A lieutenant with Delray Beach Ocean Rescue was swimming with a coworker and was stung and ended up in the hospital.

"I just happened to swim right into one and my reaction was to turn and get myself out of it and the man-o-war's reaction was to constrict its tentacles a little bit. It wrapped itself sort of around my back and up my torso and a little bit on my face," said Lieutenant Jamie Anderson.

"The paramedics had to come and transport me because I got stung on my face so my tongue and lips started swelling up," she said.

Jamie told CBS12 her coworker pretty much dragged her to the shore and she doesn't know if she would be able to make it on her own.

Because of these man-o-wars, lifeguards want to make sure everyone knows what to do to stay safe while at the beach.

First of all, if you see them wash up on shore do not touch them.

They can still sting you.

Also be aware of your surroundings.

It's also a good idea to pay attention to the flags flying near lifeguard stands.

A purple flag at the beach means there is stinging marine life in the water or near shore.

If you are going a bit further out for a swim, bring a buddy and don't go alone.

The biggest recommendation is to always swim near a lifeguard stand.

According to Delray Beach Ocean Rescue, it really depends on fronts and wind direction on whether the man-o-wars wash up and how long they will be near shore but they say they anticipate them washing up before the season is over.

If you would like to check on beach conditions, click here.

Delray Beach Ocean Rescue updates conditions every day.