Danish Lifeguards Issue New Advice on Jellyfish Stings and Beach Safety

The Danish coastguard authority TrygFonden Kystlivredning reported a sharp rise in beachgoers being stung by jellyfish (referred to as ‘gopler’) this summer. Lifeguard chief Anders Myrhøj advised swimmers to watch for the yellow flag that signals a high presence of jellyfish and to seek help from lifeguards rather than attempting self‑treatment. He recommended removing the tiny blisters attached to the skin, soothing the area with warm water, and applying a mild analgesic such as Xylocain if needed. In week 28 the service recorded 615 first‑aid actions related to jellyfish contacts.

The national public‑health agency also warned that open wounds increase the risk of infection from marine bacteria such as Vibrio and Shewanella, which have caused 934 confirmed cases in Denmark from 2020‑2025, especially during warm months.

Separately, a father and his son were rescued by a lifeguard after the father tried to pull his child from a hole in the sand at Nørre Vorupør Strand. Both were brought ashore safely, though they were advised to seek medical check‑up for possible water ingestion. The incident underscored the importance of contacting trained lifeguards promptly, rather than undertaking rescue attempts unaided.