🪼 Jellyfish Bloom Surge at Delaware Beaches: What to Know in July 2025
Why It Matters Right Now
A historic jellyfish bloom is disrupting vacations from Rehoboth to Lewes and Dewey, causing a sharp rise in stings and sleepless nights among beachgoers. Local officials warn that this is one of the worst jellyfish summers locals have seen.
What Beach Patrol Is Reporting
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Lewes Beach Patrol Captain Strohm Edwards reports over 550 stings treated so far, compared to about 270 for the same period last year.
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At Rehoboth Beach, Captain Jeff Giles says lifeguards are treating 150–200 people per day with sting relief sprays like vinegar-water or TLC spray.
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Nearby Ocean City, MD, is seeing similar trends: beach patrols confirm rising reports following regional competitions where lifeguards experienced stings firsthand.
Why This Is Happening
Warm Atlantic waters—hitting 78–80 °F off Delaware—and unusual currents have drawn more jellyfish into coastal swimming zones earlier in the season. Fewer storms this year mean fewer opportunities to wash them offshore.
What Swimmers Are Saying
From reported cases and beachside chats:
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Parents describe their children crying nearly immediately after being stung while wading.
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Lifeguards have reported treating multiple stings within minutes, especially during crowded beach events.
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One mom at Lewes Beach recalled her 8-year-old describing the sting as being shocked by a barn’s electric fence.
Your Beach Day Survival Guide
Don’t skip your fun—just pack smart. Local beach patrols and experienced locals recommend the following essentials:
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Diluted vinegar spray – Lifeguard-approved solution for jellyfish stings.
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Tweezers or credit card – For gentle tentacle removal.
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Hydrocortisone cream or aloe spray – For itch and burn relief.
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Shaving cream (especially for kids) – Anecdotally used for sea lice rashes in Dewey.
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Ibuprofen or antihistamines – To reduce swelling or allergic reaction.
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Baking soda bath – Especially soothing for sea lice–caused rashes.
⚠️ Skip rinsing with freshwater right after a sting—it may activate more stingers. Use saltwater or vinegar first, then rinse off fully once you’re clean and away from the shore.
When to Seek Urgent Care
If pain intensifies, rashes spread, or allergic reactions occur—don’t hesitate.
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Atracare Urgent Care
📍 18068 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958
🕗 Open daily 8 AM–8 PM, flat-rate $195 without insurance
They also treat at their Ocean View location:
📍 90 Atlantic Ave, Suite 4, Ocean View, DE 19970
Services include allergy treatment, prescription meds, wound care, and expert advice.
Final Word
Delaware’s beaches are showing no mercy to swimmers this summer. Whether you’re surfing in Dewey or wading in Bethany, jellyfish counts and sting rates are climbing fast. But with proper preparation—vinegar spray, protective clothing, and a beach-ready first aid kit—you can stay safe and enjoy your sea time.
Think ahead, rinse smart, and above all, don’t forget the vinegar.
Looking for step-by-step instructions on how to treat a jellyfish sting?
Check out: Jellyfish Stings in Delaware: Treatment & Beach Kit Guide
