Popular S. Carolina Beaches Report Hundreds Of Weekend Stings From Jellyfish Bloom

[hatrack]

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Hundreds of stings from these translucent blobs have been reported along the Charleston County coastline since last weekend. Some suspect a swarm of jellies rode in with strong onshore winds and roiling surf. Others wonder if a shift in the Gulf Stream or this week's blast of thunderstorms are to blame. Whatever the reason, they are here -- in force. "We've had a dramatic increase in stings this week," said Nikki Bowie, safety program manager for the county Parks and Recreation Commission. "It's not only the number of stings, but the severity."

The beach parks normally see just a couple of reported stings a month, if any at all. Isle of Palms, however, had 162 reported stings last Sunday and an additional 186 jellyfish run-ins on Tuesday. The number of reported stings on Folly Beach jumped from 15 on Wednesday to 150 the following day, Bowie said. Several stings also were reported at Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, she said.

Among the reports is at least one unconfirmed run-in with a dreaded Portuguese man-of-war, the unofficial king of sting. Trevor Wagner, 21, got stung four times in 30 minutes while surfing Friday at Folly Beach. He wouldn't recommend the experience. "They don't hurt for very long, but they definitely hurt in those initial minutes."

Lifeguards are stocking up on vinegar to take the zing out of stings and flying purple flags to warn swimmers of the threat, Bowie said. Folly Beach officials also planned to place a jellyfish warning sign at the entrance to town.

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http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jul/31/jellyfish-invasion/

[kestrel91316]

1. I got a minor jellyfish sting at Seabrook Island, SC back in the 70's.

FWIW