HULL, Mass. — A lion’s mane jellyfish has been spotted off the coast. It’s one of the world’s largest jellyfish, capable of growing up to six feet wide and has tentacles more than 200 feet long. If that’s not bad enough, its sting can be pretty painful too.
So far, there are no reports of anyone getting stung but a Boston 25 viewer spotted one last week in Marshfield that was 18 inches wide with two-foot long tentacles.
Beachgoers in Hull said they will be on guard, but if it’s hot, many said they’ll go in the water, even if the lion’s mane could be lurking out there
Lifeguards use vinegar for the sting and plastic gloves and tweezers to remove the stingers – some useful items to pack with your sunscreen just in case.
As warm weather comes back, a warning Thursday night in Hull for beachgoers as the weekend approaches.
>>>MORE: Purple flags across Mass. beaches warn of dangerous jellyfish in the water
“No sighting so far and I’m not looking forward to seeing one,” said Margaret Lupinski of Hull.
Last year Boston 25 viewers spotted lion’s mane off Plymouth.
“I’ve been told the sting is bad,” said Rick Bornstein of Hull. “So def get out of the water if you see them.”
He’s right, and that’s just the advice from Hull’s deputy fire chief.
“They can grow up to six feet wide and have tentacles that can grow to lengths exceeding a hundred feet,” the deputy chief said.
Locals are already well aware they’re out there. Several boaters have spotted them, so the fire department wanted to tell people to be on alert, advice Margaret said she is definitely taking.
“Absolutely. I watch anyway, but I’ll definitely watch out for a six-foot jellyfish,” she said.