27/06/2026
⚠️ URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Portuguese Man-of-War Stings ⚠️
Following recent sightings of Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) on our beach, we've put together a quick guide on how to avoid stings and how to react correctly.
📌 IMPORTANT NOTE TO AVOID CONFUSION: The Portuguese man-of-war is NOT a jellyfish, even though it may look similar. It is a hydrozoan (a colony of different organisms working together). Why does this matter? Because its venom is much more potent and dangerous than that of any common Mediterranean jellyfish. Don't be fooled into thinking it's "just a typical sting"; the pain is excruciating and can lead to serious medical complications. Take it seriously!
Please read this prevention protocol carefully so everyone knows how to react and, above all, report it immediately by calling Civil Protection or the Local Police if you see one on the sand or in the water, so they can come and clean up and cordon off the area as soon as possible.
🚫 How to avoid getting stung?
NEVER touch it: Not in the water, not on the sand.
Even if it appears dead or dry, its tentacles are still active and its venom remains intact.
Stay away from the area: Its tentacles are almost invisible and can be several meters long.
If you see the floating blue "bag" on the shore, the danger surrounds that entire area.
⚠️ Attention to children and pets: Prevent them from playing near the shoreline or breakwaters, where they tend to accumulate due to currents. Keep dogs on a short leash.
🚨 What to do if you see one?
Alert the lifeguards: Immediately inform the nearest lifeguard station or local authorities so they can raise the caution flag and safely remove the specimen.
🔵 How to react in case of a sting?
Get out of the water immediately.
Wash the area ONLY with seawater.
Freshwater activates the venom and drastically worsens the pain.
Carefully remove any remaining tentacles using tweezers, gloves, or the edge of a plastic card. Never use bare fingers.
Apply local heat: Immerse the area in hot water (around 40-45°C) or use warm compresses for 20 minutes to soothe the pain.
DO NOT rub: Do not use towels, sand, vinegar, alcohol, or urine.
🏥 Where to go in Tavernes? Lifeguard Station on the beach.
Serious cases or emergencies: Call 112 directly.
Share this message so all beachgoers are aware and know how to react! 🌊