The beachgoers are advised to be on alert as the lifeguards have discovered a poisonous species on the New Jersey beach. The life threatening Portuguese man o’war was spotted on the Long Beach Island on Sunday.

The noxious species was found by a lifeguard, Captain Randy Townsend, who discovered this purple marine jellyfish in the sand on Sunday morning. The deadly hazard has been found after a long gap of 17 years on this beach and its presence has been attributed to the warmer waters than before.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration have confirmed that this species is highly toxic and packs ‘an intense sting’.

The beachgoers have reacted variedly on the recent warning. Marcia Tonkin said that they are very cautious to look for things in the water.

If stung, the venom filled tentacles can cause severe pain to humans and in extreme cases it can be life threatening and can lead to fever, shock and respiratory problems.

Lifeguards have warned not to touch the man o’ war even if you come across one that appears to be dead as it still can sting you. They have further advised that checking your surroundings is the best way to avoid man o’ wars, jellyfish and other dangerous marine animals.

Further, if you fall prey to the toxic sting, remove the tentacles from your skin at once and apply salt water to the affected area.