Newquay lifeguard Arron Evans disposing of a Man of War. Photo Arron.

Men-of-war were spotted at Newgale, Pembrokeshire, on 8 September and on beaches from Bude to Gwithian – Portheras Cove and Summerleaze, Widemouth, Perranporth, Hayle, Holywell Bay, Praa Sands, Gwithian. Newquay.

Dr Peter Richardson from the MCS said a man-of-war’s tentacles which are around 10m (30ft) long, “deliver an agonising and potentially lethal sting”.

“They are very pretty and look like partially deflated balloons with ribbons but picking one up could be very nasty,” he said.
The men-of-war retain their sting when they are wet, even if they look dead, he warned.

If you are stung
The NHS recommends using tweezers, clean stick or gloves to carefully removing any remaining tentacles from the skin, thoroughly wash the affected area with seawater (not fresh water).
Afterwards, soak the area in hot water to ease the pain.
Pain from a Portuguese man-of-war sting usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience severe, lasting pain, or if the affected area becomes infected.

If symptoms become more severe, or a sensitive part of the body has been stung, you should seek medical help.