OCEAN CITY, Md. — Swarms of jellyfish have been reported along Ocean City and Delmarva-area beaches in recent days, prompting lifeguards to address an uptick in painful encounters for swimmers.
An increase in water salinity has created favorable conditions for jellyfish to thrive, with notable numbers drifting close to the shoreline. Officials report that lifeguards are now equipped with medical wipes tailored to relieve the discomfort caused by stings, and are urging swimmers to rinse any affected areas with fresh water and allow the site to dry. While the stings have resulted in mild to moderate irritation for some individuals, most reported injuries have been non-life-threatening and manageable.
Despite the heightened jellyfish presence, many visitors remain eager to swim, though Ocean City authorities recommend extra caution by paying close attention to one’s surroundings and scanning the water before entering. Beach patrol personnel continue ongoing monitoring for jellyfish activity, ready to assist and educate beachgoers on proper first aid should another sting occur. As warm summer temperatures attract more people to the shore, officials stress that awareness and timely response are key to minimizing risk. No major medical emergencies related to jellyfish encounters have been reported this season.
