Enjoying the warm water? So are the jellyfish. Types you'll see and what to do if stung

Humans aren't the only species that like to swim in warm, near-shore waters.

Jellyfish are back at the Delaware beaches, ready to ruin a good dip with their stinging tentacles. Sea and bay nettles and lion's mane jellyfish have been spotted recently, cruising the inland bays, the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Everyone knows by now (we hope) that peeing on a jellyfish sting, once thought by many to be a sufficient remedy, is not recommended. So what should you do if you get stung? Read on to find out, as well as learn the different types of jellyfish you may encounter in Delaware waters.

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How to treat a jellyfish sting

Rarely is a jellyfish encounter going to cause a reaction other than a painful sting. For a typical sting, the first thing you should do is remove any tentacles stuck to the skin with gloves or a towel, the American Red Cross says.

Next, immerse the affected area in hot tap water for 20 minutes or until pain is relieved. If hot water is unavailable, use a hot object like a rock or sand, the Red Cross says, but don't rub or bandage the area. Lidocaine is also helpful if you don't have water.

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Watch the sting victim for signs of an allergic reaction. If you notice any of the following, call 911, the Red Cross recommends:

• Swelling in the face, neck, tongue or lips
• Breathing problems
• A change in responsiveness or confusion
• Signs of shock such as a rapid, weak heartbeat; pale gray, cool or moist skin; nausea or vomiting; and excessive thirst

Lifeguards are very knowledgeable and carry supplies, so if there is one nearby, don't hesitate to seek their help.

Types of jellyfish found in Delaware waters

Sea and bay nettles

The tentacles of these common white jellyfish pack a painful sting. Sea nettles are larger and have more tentacles than bay nettles, and bay nettles are found only in estuarine waters.

Lion's mane jellyfish

A big jellyfish with short tentacles, streaks and blobs of dark red throughout its bell and a likely the second-most powerful sting among jellyfish found in Delaware waters.

Moon jellyfish

A gorgeous clear jellyfish with four circles in the center of its bell. Its tentacles are small and its sting is not as painful as others.

Portuguese man-of-war

Also not a jellyfish but a hydrozoan, man-of-wars aren't typically found in Delaware waters but can appear when there are strong winds. Keep an eye out for the bluish-purple float to avoid a very painful sting that may require medical care.

Sea walnuts

Technically not jellyfish but ctenophores, sea walnuts don't sting and are so small you probably won't notice them unless they wash up on the beach.

Crystal jellies

Crystal jellies are thick, flat discs that look like someone cut off the bottom of a Coke bottle. Their sting is mild.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.