May 16, 2025 • PURPLE FLAG To Continue Through Weekend

NOTICE: As of Friday, May 16, 2025, the PURPLE FLAG condition originally issued on Wednesday, May 14 is anticipated to remain in effect through the weekend ahead, due to an unusually high concentration of Man O' War being found in the area.  

Throughout the past 48 hours, the Ocean Rescue and Beach Services teams within the Town's newly formed Beach Safety Unit have observed and removed more than 300 Man O' War from the public beach areas. While the beach areas are still open and safe to enjoy, caution and awareness of surroundings is urged for swimming and other in-water activity. To learn more about Man O' War, see the information provided below.

The Beach Safety Unit is operated under the Oak Island Fire Department, and works to provide education, code enforcement, rescue, and medical treatment in the public beach, surf, and near shore areas. To learn more about the Beach Warning Flags or to view current conditions, visit the Beach Safety page at OakIslandNC.gov/SAFETY. To learn more about the Beach Safety Unit, visit OakIslandNC.gov/BSU or click the link below.

ABOUT MAN O' WAR

The Portuguese Man O' War (Physalia physalis) is commonly mistaken for a jellyfish, but is in fact a siphonophore, which are a group of specialized animals called zooids that act together as a unit. This differs from actual jellyfish, which are a single animal.

The Man O' War gets its name from the resemblance to the 18th-century warship of the same, when at full sail. They are easily recognized by their unique balloon-like float, which comes in shades of purple, pink, or blue. Along with the float are strands of tentacles that can extend anywhere from 30-100' long. CLICK HERE for more information from the National Ocean Service.

The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts, which are 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 is extremely painful and causes welts on exposed skin. 

These can still sting for several days or even weeks after washing ashore. If encountering a Man O' War in the ocean, calmly exit the area as soon as possible. Those found lying on the beach should NOT be touched or handled in any way, by humans or their pets.

REMOVAL 

Typically, surf conditions, tides, weather, and other wildlife such as crabs and birds will remove these from the beach with days, or even hours. Only in circumstances of extreme numbers or conditions would further Town action be warranted. The best practice is to simply remain aware of your surroundings and avoid them until they are reclaimed by nature.  

TO LEARN MORE

Information on Man O' War and several other types of wildlife that may be encountered while visiting Oak Island can be found on the Wildlife Information page of the Town Website at OakIslandNC.gov/WILDLIFE or by clicking the image below.