Delaware Beachgoers Stung by Jellyfish Problem This Summer

Delaware beachgoers are encountering more jellyfish in the water this summer.

Delaware Public Media reported that Lewes Beach has already treated almost twice as many people for jellyfish stings this year as last year. Rehoboth Beach Patrol Captain Jeff Giles also reported treating many people.

Giles said that lifeguards are coming to their posts prepared with a vinegar-and-water mix spray or TLC Spray to alleviate stings. If you're at the beach and you get a jellyfish sting, find the nearest lifeguard.

Giles noted that the warm water temperatures this summer have supported an increase in jellyfish this season.

"There has been really an increase in the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean here, especially off the Delaware beaches, and off of Rehoboth. It's actually almost up to 78 degrees, almost 80 degrees,” Giles told Delaware Public Media. “So we're getting that current, which is bringing in a lot more jellyfish than normal. This started back around the Fourth of July, and it's increased ever since."

The reduced number of major storms this summer has also prevented the current from activating and moving the jellyfish away from the beaches.

Giles said that, as a result of the jellyfish, more people this summer are holding back from entering the water for fear of getting stung.