On Friday, March 25, 2022, at 1 p.m., our MDFR Ocean Rescue lifeguards will provide safety tips to help alert Crandon Beach patrons of the dangers associated with coming into contact with this unwelcomed visitor, as more strong winds and currents will bring man-o-war to our South Florida beaches, including the Crandon Beach shoreline.

Man-of-war is a group of animals closely related to jellyfish with tentacles that are barbed with a sting that can typically cause painful welts lasting for days. In some cases, the sting can cause an allergic reaction and in rare cases, heart failure. Even when washed up on the sand the stings still contain venom. 

MDFR Ocean Rescue Lifeguards will provide safety tips, including: 

1. What to do when you see a Portuguese man-of-war at the beach.
2. What to do if a Portuguese man-of-war stings you.
3. What resources do lifeguards have available to treat a man-of-war sting.

Media Note:

Interviews will be available in English and Spanish.  

Please confirm attendance by email along with the names of crew members who will be meeting the lifeguards at Crandon Beach to [email protected]

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-814-8051.