Bathing banned at Gironde beaches
Red flag raised at four beaches after invasion of stinging 'blue bottle' creatures, similar to jellyfish
A STINGING sea creature similar to the jellyfish has forced lifeguards to ban swimming at several beaches on the Atlantic coast of France.
The red flag has been raised at Hourtin, Le Porge and Carcans in the Gironde, while a fourth beach at nearby Lacanau has been cleared and is open as normal.
Beachgoers reported seeing several hundred of the Portuguese men-of-war (physalies) washed up on the shore.
They live on the surface of the ocean, carried by the wind, and are difficult for bathers to see.
Similar to jellyfish, they have long bright blue tentacles that produce a painful sting in the water. Even after they have been washed up, they should not be touched.
The Aquitaine regional health agency says lifeguards and paramedics have dealt with 585 cases along the Atlantic coast this summer.
In the most serious cases, the sting can cause burns, vomiting, loss of memory, muscle cramps and breathing problems.
A Bordeaux CHU hospital spokesperson said anyone who is stung by the creature should remove the venomous tentacles immediately.
Shaving foam or sand should be applied to the wound and then washed off with plenty of water. If in doubt, you should call the Samu on 15.
