It looks like a jellyfish straight out of a cartoon, with its translucent blue reflections and its fragile look. Except that it can send to the hospital … or even worse. The southwest beaches face a particularly feared guest: the Portuguese galley. Spotted between Bidart and Anglet, these physalies forced the closing of five beaches on Friday, July 25. The Landes prefect even appealed to caution on social networks. It must be said that this “sea bladder”, as it is nicknamed, remains dangerous even stranded, its stinging filaments retaining their power well after the death of the animal.
A very real threat to French beaches
Contrary to popular belief, Portuguese galley is not a jellyfish. It is actually a siphonophore, a colonial organism made up of several specialized individuals. It measures up to 15 centimeters high, floats on the surface thanks to a bag filled with air, and its long tentacles can reach … 30 meters.
The problem is that these tentacles can sting in both water and sand. Extremely poisonous, the bites cause acute pain, and in some cases, serious complications. According to authorities, they can even lead to death in the most sensitive people.
If these tropical specimens date back to French beaches today, it is largely due to global warming. The warmer waters, combined with the proliferation of algae, make our coastline more attractive to these creatures. Several alerts have been reported in recent weeks in the Landes and in Brittany, notably in South Finistère.
What are the dangers and the right reflexes to adopt?
Asked about the subject, the emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, Dr Gérald Kierzek, insists on the gravity of the bites: “In general, jellyfish can be dangerous to more than a title: on the one hand, the bite and pain can be responsible for discomfort in water. The first reflex is therefore to go out immediately in the event of a bite. On the other hand, the envenimation itself, that is to say the reaction to the venom, can be dangerous. Either one is allergic and therefore likely to make an anaphylactic shock. which can cause a reaction with general discomfort, intense pain, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness … until cardiac arrest in the most serious cases..
Before help arrives, some gestures can limit the severity of the bite. But watch out for received ideas: “We never rinse fresh water, but with sea water. And possibly, we put sand on the area, and with a small card, type bank card, we will come and scratch the skin to remove the stinging filaments“.
As for the eternal myth of pee on the wound, the doctor is categorical: “It is useless“.
Can we still bathe without risk?
Swimming remains possible, but under certain conditions. If the presence of physalies is reported, it is better to stay on the sand. Municipal prohibition decrees are there to prevent any accident.
Vacationers must also learn to visually identify this “false jellyfish”: its inflated ball, its bright bluish shade, and its long tentacles invisible to the naked eye in the water. At the slightest alert, avoid contact, even with a stranded specimen.
In short, this summer, it is better to keep your eyes open on the beaches of the Southwest. Because a Portuguese galley sting is not tourist.