Man o’ War Sightings Spike Along Myrtle Beach Shore; Professor Talks Sting Remedies

Increased Man o’ War Presence Alerts Myrtle Beach Visitors

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Beach-goers in the Myrtle Beach area are being advised to watch their steps along the shore as there has been a notable increase in Portuguese Man o’ War sightings. This surge has been particularly noticeable at popular spots such as Cherry Grove, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island.

Why the Sudden Increase?

A marine biology professor at Coastal Carolina University attributes this phenomenon primarily to the recent easterly winds that have pushed these dangerous creatures closer to the shoreline. “They can still sting even if they’re washed up and quite dead, the nematocysts, the cells that actually sting, they’re basically spring-loaded, if you want to think of it that way. If anything touches them, they just fire,” explained Eric Rosch, a senior lecturer of marine biology.

Handling and Treatment Advice

Despite not being typically deadly, the stings from these jellyfish-like creatures can be extremely painful and potentially hazardous, especially to those with allergies. Rosch advised: “If someone has to move the marine animal because it poses a risk to children or dogs, you can attempt to pick it up by the ‘bell’ or balloon, but be very careful and use a towel or gloves.”

If stung, Rosch recommends using vinegar or meat tenderizer to alleviate the pain. It is crucial to remove the tentacles carefully to avoid worsening the sting. “If you have a credit card on you, you can kind of scrape the tentacles off without making it worse. In a pinch, you could use a flat-edge seashell,” he added.

Stay Safe and Informed

With the holiday season approaching and beaches expected to see higher traffic, awareness and preparedness are key. Beach-goers should keep an eye out for these marine hazards and know how to react if they encounter a Man o’ War. Keeping tools like vinegar, gloves, and towels handy can help mitigate the effects of any potential stings.

All rights reserved to HERE News.

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.