Jellyfish Invade Waters Off Delaware Beaches

Delaware beaches are being plagued this summer by unwelcome guests—jellyfish.

From Rehoboth Beach to Lewes Beach, vacationers are encountering the marine creatures in undesirable ways.

FOX 29 News spoke with 8-year-old Beatrice Poorman, who experienced the jellyfish firsthand, getting stung three times. She described the sensation: "Say you were like at a horse barn, and an electric fence was on, and you accidentally touched it — I'd say it would probably feel like that!" 

Her mother, Sarah Poorman, added, "I'm wishing we didn't come this time of year; I wish we came earlier in the year!"

Beach officials said the recent hot weather and heavy rains off and on this summer have contributed to the worst jellyfish season Delaware has witnessed. The number of jellyfish stings has quadrupled in recent weeks. Beach patrols now advise visitors to seek treatment at lifeguard stands if they are stung.

Lifeguards are also encountering the jellyfish. Cassidy Thomas described being stung in her eye during a water workout: "It didn't feel too good, yeah!"

"The easiest way not to get stung is not to go in, but that's not fun," said Beach Patrol Captain Strohm Edwards in a statement to FOX 29. "For the little ones, pick up a rash guard — a thicker one typically won't get through this material."

As Delaware beaches continue to face the invasion by jellyfish, visitors are advised to stay alert and take precautions while enjoying the state's beaches.