Hey y’all—it’s Alicia from Blue Palm Getaways, and I’ve got a beach story for you that every Gulf Coast mama needs to hear. We had an amazing week in Gulf Shores—sunny skies, warm breezes, perfect beach days. But there was one little surprise waiting for us: purple flags flying at the beach.
If you don’t know, purple flags mean marine life is present—like jellyfish. And sure enough, both my kids got stung by jellyfish for the first time this trip. 😬 But don’t worry—thanks to a little preparation (and a product I’ll never leave home without again), we turned that scary moment around fast.
Watch for Purple Flags at Gulf Shores Beaches
When you see a purple flag at the beach, it’s a heads-up that jellyfish or other marine life have been spotted in the water. We noticed the flags flying but didn’t think much of it since the water looked so inviting… until both my kids came running out, crying from jellyfish stings.
Our Jellyfish Sting Scare (And the Treatment That Worked Fast)
Seeing your kiddos in pain is every parent’s nightmare, especially on what’s supposed to be a fun, carefree beach day. But y’all—I was ready.
I’d heard about JellySmack before and decided to throw it in the beach bag “just in case.” Best decision ever.
Here’s exactly what we did:
Step-by-Step Jellyfish Sting Treatment (What Worked for Us):
👉 1. Get out of the water immediately.
👉 2. Rinse the sting with seawater (NOT fresh water).
(Fun fact: Fresh water can cause any remaining jellyfish stingers—called nematocysts—to fire again, making it worse!)
👉 3. Apply JellySmack spray to the sting area.
👉 4. Use an ice pack to numb pain and reduce swelling.
👉 5. Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief if needed (check with your pediatrician).
Within minutes of using JellySmack and ice, my kids said it felt less stingy and more manageable. By that evening, there were no visible marks, no swelling, and no lingering pain.
Watch for Allergic Reactions to Jellyfish Stings
Most stings are mild, but be on the lookout for:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
- Dizziness or confusion
👉 If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Why JellySmack Is a Must-Have in Your Beach Bag
I’m officially never hitting the beach without JellySmack again. It’s earned a permanent spot next to the sunscreen and juice boxes. If you’re planning a family beach trip to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or anywhere on the Gulf Coast, this product’s a lifesaver.
👉 Tip: Always check beach flags before swimming—and pack smart so you’re ready for anything.
FAQs About Jellyfish Stings
Q: Should I pee on a jellyfish sting?
A: Nope! That’s a myth. Stick to seawater rinse, sting spray, and ice.
Q: Can I rinse with fresh water?
A: Also nope! Fresh water can make the sting worse by triggering more stingers.
Q: How do I know if it’s safe to swim?
A: Look for beach flags—purple means marine life is present, red means dangerous surf, yellow means moderate hazard, green means low hazard.
Plan Your Family’s Safe & Fun Gulf Shores Getaway
The beach is full of surprises, but with a little preparation, you can keep your trip safe, fun, and full of great memories.
👉 Check availability at Blue Palm Getaways and book your family’s Gulf Shores beach escape today!