With the arrival of August, different sections of the coast have registered jellyfish sightings and bathing restrictions which have forced the activation of flags and reinforcement of surveillance. The Red Cross, lifeguard services and regional emergency services have issued specific warnings in Bizkaia, A Coruña and Malaga, with safety recommendations for residents and visitors.
The situation combines species with diverse stinging power: the carnation jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca), the one known as fried egg (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) and the Portuguese caravel, often mistaken for a jellyfish. In the Cantabrian coast, they are reported 22 °C in the water y 26 °C ambient temperature at various points, with high and low tides that affect the flow and safety of bathing.
Bizkaia: flags and beaches affected
According to data collected at noon, they remain jellyfish sightings in the sandbanks of Azkorri, Barinatxe, Plentzia, Armintza, Bakio, Laida, Ea, Isuntza and Karraspio, which has prompted preventive measures in various municipalities in the territory.
On several beaches the flag waves red flag (bathing prohibited): La Arena, Barinatxe, Arrietera-Atxabiribil, Bakio, Laida and Laga. Rescue teams have asked to avoid entering the water to reduce the risk of stings, especially in minors and people with allergies.
Other areas present yellow flag (bathing with caution)as the Las Arenas, Azkorri, Aritzatxu, San Antonio, Ogella, Karraspio and Arrigorri, where swimming is permitted but caution and attention to the instructions of the beach staff are requested.
With green flag (free bathing) found Ereaga, Arrigunaga, Muriola, Plentzia, Gorliz, Armintza, Laidatxu, Toña, Ea and Isuntza, although the general recommendation is to get information before entering the sea, since the situation can change throughout the day.
Environmental conditions influence sightings: 22 °C in the water y 26 °C in the airThe tide indicates a high tide at 16:20 p.m. and a low tide at 22:30 p.m., bands in which the state of the sea can change and it is advisable to pay extreme attention to the flags.
Galicia: Riazor, Orzán and Ferrol under surveillance
In A Coruña, the presence of specimens has generated Caution in Riazor and OrzánAt first hour they withdrew to Orzán about twenty jellyfish and the yellow flag was raised, keeping bathing permitted but with explicit warnings for users.
In the Ferrol area, bathers reported the presence of portuguese caravels en Penance, a species whose venom can cause Intense pain y skin lesions. The rescuers monitor the progress to decide if it is necessary. restrict bathing and activate specific signage if sightings increase.
Malaga: spike in sightings in August
After a quiet July, the Malaga coast has registered a jellyfish revival in recent days. In the capital the flag is waving yellow flag en The Finger (The Stick) and Mercy, with bathing permitted and caution recommended for possible bites.
According to user reports via MedusApp, specimens have been observed in various points along the coast such as Torrox, Torre del Mar, Benajarafe, Arroyo de la Miel, La Cala de Mijas and MarbellaThe beach patrol maintains surveillance to adapt the flags if necessary.
The most cited species in the area are the Pelagia noctiluca or carnation jellyfish, small and very stinging, and the one known as fried egg (Cotylorhiza tuberculata), with a usually mild bite, which usually causes just irritation.
Asturias and Donostia: notices and protocols
The SEPA has issued a warning for the presence of jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war on various beaches along the Asturian coast and urges people not to underestimate the situation. Even on the shore, they may remain tentacles with a stinging effect, so it is not recommended to enter the water if remains or dead specimens are observed and it is requested to notify the 112 or to the lookout post.
In Donostia a has been activated specific protocol regarding the Portuguese caravel —it is not a jellyfish, but a siphonophore— with a message of reassurance: they are being detected small specimens and milder bitesIf larger individuals are located or multiple incidents occur, rescuers will proceed to flag raising depending on the level of risk.
How to act in case of a bite
If contact occurs, do not scratch or rub the area (not with sand or a towel either). Wash only with sea water and avoid using fresh water, ammonia, urine or vinegar, which can aggravate the reaction.
When there are remains of tentacles, remove them with tweezers or, if this is not possible, protecting the hand. To relieve pain, apply local cold for 15 minutes, without the ice coming into direct contact with the skin.
Disinfect the injury with iodized alcohol two to three times a day, during 48 to 72 hours, and monitor the progress. Children, the elderly, and allergy sufferers require special attention and closer observation.
If warning signs appear —shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or cramps— go to a first aid station or health center. Whenever possible, provide information about the species involved.
Local governments and emergency services encourage attention to the flags and the lifeguards, inquire at each beach before swimming, and follow the protocols in case of a sting. It's important to remain vigilant, stay informed about the tides, and act prudently to enjoy the coast safely.