The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a danger warning after deadly Portuguese man o' war have been found washed up on beaches in the North West. 

On Monday November 8, a Portuguese man o' war was found in Birkenhead, Wirral as well as Ainsdale, near Southport, and Preesall, Lancashire.

Becky Clarke wrote on the Knott End and Preesall Community Facebook group: "I found a couple of Portuguese man o war on the beach at Preesall this morning."

Another was found in Ainsdale and an alert was Tweeted by Green Sefton, run by Sefton Council. 

"A Portuguese man o’ war has washed up #Ainsdale," the group said.

"This magnificent, but potentially dangerous creature has been removed. Others may wash up.

"Be vigilant & keep dogs under control on the #Sefton coast. Do not touch."

Authorities are warning people not to touch them as the man o' war can give a painful sting, even when it is dead.

The RNLI West Kirby and North West Police Underwater Search & Marine Unit Tweeted warnings to visitors yesterday morning after one was found in Wirral. 

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

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, man 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.