Portuguese Man o’ War Warning Hits French and Spanish Beaches
Beachgoers on parts of the French and Spanish Atlantic coasts are being warned after increased sightings of Portuguese man o’ war. Authorities in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in south-west France have issued safety advice, while San Sebastián is using beach flags to signal when the venomous creatures are present. Their tentacles can cause painful stings and may remain dangerous even after washing ashore.
Where the Warnings Apply
- France: Beaches in Pyrénées-Atlantiques on the Atlantic coast
- Spain: San Sebastián, including Ondarreta beach
- Warning system in San Sebastián: White flag means Portuguese man o’ war have been detected
- Swimming restriction: Red flag means swimming is prohibited
- Main risk: Long tentacles can sting even after the animal has died
- If stung: Rinse with seawater and avoid rubbing or scratching the affected area
- Medical help: Seek advice if pain continues
Portuguese man o’ war are often mistaken for jellyfish but are colonial hydrozoans made up of smaller organisms working together. They are usually recognised by a translucent purple float and long blue-violet tentacles. Numbers can change during the day, so San Sebastián may alter beach restrictions depending on how many specimens are found and their size. Washed-up animals should also be avoided because their tentacles can remain active.
Anyone visiting affected beaches should check the flag before entering the water and follow instructions from lifeguards. In Pyrénées-Atlantiques, many rescue stations in Gironde, Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques have staff trained to identify Portuguese man o’ war and provide first aid. Warning posters covering these creatures, pelagic jellyfish and weever fish are also displayed at beach entrances across the region.
The sightings do not mean every beach is permanently closed, but conditions can change quickly throughout the day. Visitors should avoid touching specimens on the sand, keep children and pets away from them and check local beach updates before swimming. If a red flag is raised, waiting for conditions to improve or choosing another monitored beach is safer than entering the water despite the restriction.
