As summer draws more crowds to South Texas beaches, Padre Island National Seashore posted a warning Thursday on Facebook about the influx of jellyfish.

As summer draws more crowds to South Texas beaches, Padre Island National Seashore posted a warning Thursday on Facebook about the influx of jellyfish.

Photo: Padre Island National Seashore

As summer draws more crowds to South Texas beaches, Padre Island National Seashore posted a warning Thursday on Facebook about the influx of jellyfish.

As summer draws more crowds to South Texas beaches, Padre Island National Seashore posted a warning Thursday on Facebook about the influx of jellyfish.

Beware of jellyfish: Padre Island National Seashore tells visitors to pack vinegar to treat stings

As summer draws more crowds to South Texas beaches, Padre Island National Seashore posted a warning Thursday on Facebook about the influx of jellyfish.

Charles Lassiter, public information officer for PINS, said it's not uncommon to see an increase in jellyfish, but more of the sea creature means a greater chance to get stung. Making matters worse, the first aid center for PINS is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Every year in the summer, we have people coming in with jellyfish stings every day," Lassiter said. "This year, the center is not available so we want our visitors to know how to care for it and what to bring."

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PINS said guests should pack vinegar before heading to the beach as it can ease and deactivate the pain of a jellyfish sting, which will typically last between 20 to 30 minutes, Lassiter said.

Lassiter is also warning visitors to watch out for Portuguese man-of-war, which is a colony of organisms that looks like a jellyfish and stings like one too. The sting is more intense but can also be treated with vinegar, he said.

Visitors should also be aware of stingrays and should shuffle their feet while in the ocean.Lassiter said stingrays will only sting humans if they are stepped on or threatened.

If you are stung by a stingray, Lassiter says to leave the stinger in the wound and seek medical assistance outside the park immediately. There are two medical facilities north of the park and several more in Corpus Christi.

The beach was closed for Fourth of July weekend but reopened on Tuesday and is open 24 hours a day.

"We want people to come out and have a great time, but just be mindful and aware of your surroundings," Lassiter said. "Also, please follow the guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and practice social distancing as we are in some difficult times right now."

Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre

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Beware of jellyfish: Padre Island National Seashore tells visitors to pack vinegar to treat stings - mySA