Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue

is here to tell you about the Portuguese Man o’ War!

The Portuguese Man o’ War is not a true jellyfish, but a colonial organism made up of multiple specialized parts working together as one.

If a Portuguese Man o’ War makes contact with your skin, it can deliver a painful sting from its tentacles, even if the organism is no longer alive. Stings typically cause an immediate burning sensation followed by redness and raised welts that can last for hours to days.

When do they come to Palm Beach county?
•November-March (Late fall-early winter)

What to look for:
• Blue or purple float on the surface
• Long trailing tentacles in the water or on shore
• Increased presence with onshore winds

Safety guidance:
• Do not touch — even if beached. Those tentacles are still active!
• Avoid areas where they are present
• pay attention to the tides (High tide- they are coming in. Low tide- they are going back out)
• Check with lifeguards before entering the water

If you are stung:
• Go to the nearest Lifeguard we will help.

If no lifeguard is available- use a card (credit card is perfect) to scrape off the remaining tentacles or they will continue to sting you. A hot shower will neutralize the sting & provide relief!



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Today, PBCFR Ocean Rescue did some community outreach to over 900 Students demonstrating Ocean Safety, Beach Safety, & Boat Safety!

Students learned how to properly wear Life Jackets, how to use a Rescue tube, & when it’s safe or unsafe to go in the water.

Absolutely amazing Job to Training Officer Tiffany & Luitenent Sara for training our youth on water safety!

Spring break safety on land and water A lifeguard breaks down how to escape a rip current, and a reminder about the meaning of beach flags.

is now hiring for FULL & PART TIME positions from now until March 20th 2026!

APPLY NOW: https://secure.pbc.gov/OnlineJobs/Job/JobOpening

*There is also a direct link in our Bio- click the link & select “APPLY NOW”*

Good luck to everyone who applys! We are excited to see you out on the beach!

A few weeks ago, lifeguards attended & completed the annual 5k run!

As Lifeguards, running is a key component in our rescues. A 5K builds the engine we rely on when the tower clears and it’s go time.

Stats for our run:
Kelly: 3rd out of 322 women
Tracy: 4th out of 322 women
Tiffany: 9th out of 322 women
Eddie: 61 out of 238 Men

Run strong, Rescue Stronger!

2026 lieutenants test was a Gnarly one. 3-4ft choppy surf, high wind, rip currents, reef, & cold rainy conditions.

This 30 minutes run swim run is the beginning of a series tests candidates go through for a chance at becoming a Lieutenant! The Run Swim Run shows the ability to judge surf, water entry, rip current identification, open water swimming ability, & timing- all while under pressure to place well finish strong.

Everyone that tried out did an absolutely fantastic job. It is not uncommon for candidates to go through this test multiple times because the competition is always fierce with each candidate being very strong competitors athletically & mentally.

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