Jellyfish stings reported along the Jersey Shore this weekend
Reports have surfaced on social media from beachgoers in Long Branch, Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach.
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A swarm of jellyfish is causing problems for some beachgoers along the Jersey Shore this weekend, with reports of stings coming from several coastal communities in Ocean and Monmouth counties.
One Brick Township resident shared photos after her son was stung while at the beach Sunday. Similar reports have surfaced on social media from beachgoers in Long Branch, Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach. Despite the sightings, beaches remain busy.
In Asbury Park, visitors continued to fill the sand and water Sunday as warm weather drew crowds to the shore. According to Asbury Park Lifeguard and Safety Supervisor Joe Bongiovanni, dozens of people have been stung over the last few days. Most of the stings have been reported on swimmers' legs, backs and shoulders.
Bongiovanni says jellyfish appearances are common this time of year and that most stings cause skin irritation rather than serious injury.
"It is a chemical sting. It's not like a bee sting where it injects something into you," Bongiovanni said. "When those stinging cells hit the skin, it irritates the skin. It leaves a welt and it can be painful, but not unbearable."
He recommends rinsing the impacted area with water and gently rubbing wet sand over the skin to help remove remaining stinging cells.
Beachgoers heading to the shore are encouraged to check with lifeguards about water conditions before they go swimming.
