HOUSTON -- A beach alert has been issued to Galveston visitors about a record number of jellyfish stings in the area, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

Recently, beachgoers reported 100 stings in one day. Some were more severe than others.

"There's big jellyfish. My friend got stung by one today in the water. It was one of those tentacles," an unidentified student said.

The warmer Gulf water has drawn out a record number of jellyfish.

"There was one right next to me," swimmer Jennifer Guckowski said.

A sting sent one child to the hospital.

"We did have one 11-year-old transported to the hospital. It wasn't an allergic reaction," said Peter Davis of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol.

The bell-shaped creatures with tentacles as long as 20 feet get active when the waters top 70 degrees.

The Beach Patrol flies a red warning flag when it's not safe to go in the water. A blue flag means it's safe.

Jellyfish thrive in the water, but end up on the beach when they get tangled in seaweed. That can be especially dangerous to children.

Those who are stung should take the following measures.

Use vinegar to neutralize the sting. It keeps it from stinging worse.
Pick the tentacles off with a glove or towel.
Apply an anesthetic.

Lifeguards said the best way to avoid getting stung is to keep eyes open.

Allergic reactions are the worst possible scenario. But even without that, a sting can still be extremely painful.

The pain can result in cramping, nausea and vomiting.

More Information

Galveston Beach Patrol
Sting Information
eMedicineHealth: Jellyfish Stings