Photo: CBS 12
East Coast Florida beachgoers are being warned about the return of Portuguese man o' war.
The purple-blue colored balloon-type organism has been spotted in the water and on the beach, and its tentacles can cause a sting that's quite painful.
In fact, one seasoned lifeguard was hurt so bad that she had to be taken to the hospital.
"So it wrapped itself sort of around my back and up my torso and a little bit up my face. The paramedics had to come and transport me because I got stung on my face so my tongue and lips started swelling up."
Jamie Anderson is a Lieutenant with Delray Beach Ocean Rescue and says you should look for a purple flag at the beach. That means there is stinging marine life in the water or near the shore.
Also, be aware of your surroundings and if you swim further out, bring a friend along. Anderson had to be helped to the beach after getting stung.
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