DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Purple flags are flying along Volusia County beaches after reports of jellyfish off the coastline.
Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Capt. Tammy Marris says lifeguards treated 155 stings on Friday and Saturday. The numbers were not available for Sunday, but lifeguards said more than 200 stings were reported over the weekend.
Marris said there were several types of jellyfish, but the moon jellyfish were the most frequently spotted.
She says lifeguards were treating the stings with vinegar.
Volusia County Beach Patrol and Ocean Rescue Deputy Chief Scott Peterson said jellyfish problems as cyclical and depend factors including wind and currents.
"There really is no rhyme or reason, this is really the first big bout this summer we've had with them," Peterson said.
Marris says there was a moderate risk of rip current along the beaches, but no rescues were made on Sunday.
Local 6 spoke to a family visiting from Norway whose 7-year-old son complained of a possible jellyfish sting near his foot.
"We didn't know what to do," said Gry Alnes
Peterson said the best way to stay safe is to talk to a lifeguard before getting in the water and they will tell you about all hazards, including rip currents.