Ah, summer! The season of sun, sand, and hopefully, a bit of relaxation. But while you’re lounging on the beach, soaking up those rays, your eyes might ferret out a mesmerizing purple creature in the sand. A marvel of nature? Yes. A must-touch spectacle? OH NO! Read on, brave beachgoer, because touching this pretty purple thing could land you in a heap of trouble.
Meet the Portuguese man-of-war, a vacation crasher that looks like an ethereal floating bubble with eye-catching blue or purple tinting. It dangles long, dark purple tentacles that seem to beckon for a poke — but hold it right there!
Those tentacles? They’re not just for show. Packed with venom, these draping dreadlocks of doom can give you a sting that’s far from delightful. Think of it as nature’s twisted attempt at a ‘shock and awe’ campaign right on your summer vacation. It’s not just the prick of pain; we’re talking about potential cardiac distress, fever, allergic reactions, and if you’re really unlucky, you might even find yourself gasping for air or worse — but let’s try not to think about that on your sunny day out.
Even if you find this dangerous beauty washed up on the beach, looking very much the ‘dead specimen,’ refrain from the investigative prod or adventurous lick (we’re looking at you, wannabe influencers). Those tentacles can still deliver their venomous payload days after being stranded by the tide.
Ah, and here’s the kicker: if you do end up on the receiving end of a sting, skip the age-old advice of peeing on it. Yes, you heard that right. Pee will do zilch in helping you out. In fact, it might just exacerbate your beachside nightmare. Instead, opt for a cold compress to manage the pain and swelling, and seek professional medical treatment posthaste.
Getting stung is no laughing matter. You can expect everything from shocking red welts to full-blown allergic reactions. You might find yourself suddenly the least attractive person on the beach as you flop around like a fish out of water, or worse, feeling like you need medical intervention.
So, there you have it! Your ultimate beach PSA: If you see something purple and bubbly washed up on shore, admire it from afar, snap a pic for those Insta likes, but keep those hands (and tongues) well away. Your carefree summer depends on it!