The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a danger warning after a Portuguese man o' war was found washed near a beach in the Wirral today. 

On Monday November 8, a Portuguese man o' war was found in the Sailing Centre car park near West Kirby, and authorities are warning people not to touch them. 

The man o' war can give a nasty sting, even if touched when it is dead.

The RNLI West Kirby and North West Police Underwater Search & Marine Unit Tweeted warnings to visitors this morning. 

"DANGER. This was found today on Caldy Beach. It is a Portuguese Man O'War," said the RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat.

"If you see one, DO NOT TOUCH, They give a nasty sting, even when dead."

North West Police Underwater Search & Marine Unit said: "Please keep an eye out and take care around the coastline.

"Follow the advice below if you see anything that looks similar to the picture."

What is a Portuguese Man O'War?

The Portuguese man o’ war, (Physalia physalis) is often called a jellyfish, but is actually a species of siphonophore, a group of animals that are closely related to jellyfish.

Found mostly in tropical and subtropical seas, men o' war gets its name from its resemblance to an 18th-century Portuguese warship under full sail

The 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.

It has long strands of tentacles and polyps that grow to an average of 30 feet and may extend by as much as 100 feet.

Can you get stung by it?

The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts, microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralysing 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.

What should I do if I get stung? 

If possible, the NHS recommends that you ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for here.

You should rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) and remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.

Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it and take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain. 

What not to do:

  • Do not use vinegar
  • Do not pee on the sting
  • Do not apply ice or a cold pack
  • Do not touch any spines with your bare hands
  • do not cover or close the wound

See the full list of advice and guidelines for stings from sea creatures on the NHS website.