Numerous Tourists Including 4 Children Stung By Portuguese Man O’ War At North Carolina Beach
While it may not combat every situation, I have one hard fast rule when it comes to swimming. I do not get in water that I cannot see my feet in. Which means North Carolina beaches, I’ll put my feet in, maybe duck down to cool off for a moment or two, but that’s it. You want to see me swimming in the ocean, it will be in the Caribbean or the Florida gulf coast. There are multiple reasons for this, one is water that isn’t clear is just gross to me. But the other is that I want to be able to see what is around me. And this story is a perfect example of why. Over the holiday long weekend, multiple tourists were stung by a Portuguese Man O’ War at a popular North Carolina beach.
Portuguese Man O’ War In North Carolina
The incidents took place at Oak Island and were made known to the public via a Facebook post. Oak Island Rescue took to the social media platform and said that they were aware of six incidents of individuals being stung by the creatures. Of the six people stung, four were children. The sting of the Portuguese Man O’ War is known to be particularly painful. Contrary to popular belief the Man O’ War is not a jellyfish, it’s a member of the siphonophore species. According to Ocean Service, they are characterized by their “balloon-like float”. They may be blue, violet, or pink in color. This balloon can be up to six inches above the waterline.
But it’s the tentacles you have to be wary of. These can be as long as 30 feet. Yeah, I can understand how people get stung when they are that long! The sting, while painful, is rarely deadly. And they can sting even washed up on the shore.
Planning A Beach Vacation? These Are The Most Popular North Carolina Beaches
Looking to plan a beach vacation? But not sure where to start? That’s understandable. With so many beach towns in North Carolina, it can be overwhelming to know where to pick. I know many people are the type to spend a week on the same beach and even in the same home year after year, but with so many fantastic beaches in the Carolinas why limit yourself? I’m team pick a new spot every summer for sure! But if you’re trying to narrow it down how do you even start? A good place is with the most popular North Carolina beaches! And luckily for you, our friends over at BetCarolina.com sent us research on which North Carolina beach towns fit that description!
Even growing up in North Carolina I have always more frequently visited South Carolina beaches. Though in the last 10 years or so I’ve spent some time at a couple of Wilmington area beaches that both made this list. Many are on the Outer Banks, which is on my list but why do they all have to be so long of a drive? I can be in the Myrtle area in 3 hours so 5-6 is hard to justify! But with so many publications raving about the area, eventually, I’ll have to cave!
To compile this list they consulted US News & World Report data on the Best North Carolina beaches, then utilized Google Search data to determine which of these beaches have the most interest from North Carolinians. So scroll through the list, do some research, and then grab your beach chair and your bathing suit. We are just days away from Memorial Day Weekend the official kick-off of summer. It’s time to plan that beach trip you’ll remember forever. You can read Bet Carolina’s full report here or keep reading to see which towns made the list and what makes them so great!
The Most Popular North Carolina Beaches
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.
