The Phuket Lifeguard Service yesterday (July 13) posted two pictures on its Facebook page side by side showing the siphonophore and Surin Beach along with a warning saying that there are an increasing number of Portuguese man o’ war spotted along Surin Beach.
It also warns that the tentacles of the Portuguese man o’ war contain venom, and that they should not be touched as the venom can cause severe pain, sometimes worse if someone has an allergic reaction to it.
The Phuket Lifeguard Club Chief Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News today (July 14) that on Monday (July 11), lifeguards at Naithon and Kamala beaches also spotted Portuguese man o’ war in the water.
“This month is still monsoon season, so all along the coast will have high waves and strong winds which often bring all kind of marine animals to shore.
“Beach guards and other officials who take care of tourists on the beach are always on alert and keeping beach-goers safe is their priority, especially with regards to no swimming zone areas,” he said.
“Lifeguards have been provided with basic training on what to do should a swimmer get stung by a Portuguese man o’ war of jellyfish, and that is to wash the affected area with warm or sea water for 30 second to prevent the venom getting into the blood stream,” he added.