VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Almost 900 jellyfish stings were reported at Volusia County beaches over this weekend, beach law enforcement officials said.
- Officials: 316 people treated for jellyfish stings Sunday
- There were more than 570 jellyfish stings Saturday
- Anyone stung should exit water, flag down lifeguard
Volusia Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Capt. Tamra Malphurs said 316 people were treated for jellyfish stings Sunday.
On Saturday, 579 jellyfish stings were reported on Volusia County beaches.
To put the numbers in perspective, 42 stings were reported Thursday. On the July 4 holiday, 108 stings occurred. And on June 6, there were 70.
Beach Safety officials weren't able to say whether the number of reported stings Saturday or this weekend set a record.
July and August are the most common months for big numbers of stings.
Anyone stung by a jellyfish should exit the water and flag down a lifeguard truck or go to a staffed tower. Jellyfish stings can be painful, and a lifeguard can rinse the area with vinegar, which is a common treatment.
It is important to not rub the area, which can make it worse. Although jellyfish stings can be painful, most are not life-threatening. Usually, the pain subsides after a few minutes.