OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – The Town of Oak Island issued a purple flag warning Sunday, June 30.

A purple flag warning indicates a concentration of dangerous marine life in and around the water.

The town decided to issue the warning after several reports of Portuguese man o’ wars washing up on the beach.

The Portuguese man o’ war is similar to a jellyfish, and experts say while their stings are rarely deadly, they are extremely painful. Symptoms can last up to six weeks in extreme cases.

“The beach areas are still safe to enjoy, but caution and awareness of surroundings is urged for swimming and other in-water activity,” the Oak Island Police Department states.

The purple flag remains in effect until further notice.

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