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DCR warning public of dangerous marine animals at Horseneck Beach
DCR is warning local beach goers as the Labor Day weekend begins.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is warning the public of the presence of Portuguese man o’ war at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport.
Additionally, the agency has posted purple flags at the beach, which indicate the presence of dangerous marine animals.
The NOAA offers the following description of Portuguese man o’ war.
“The Portuguese man o’ war is recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet, or pink and rises up to six inches above the waterline. Lurking below the float are long strands of tentacles and polyps that grow to an average of 30 feet and may extend by as much as 100 feet. The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts, microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. While the man o’ war’s sting is rarely deadly to people, it packs a painful punch and causes welts on exposed skin.”
Horseneck Beach unguarded due to positive COVID-19 test
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