Overview

• Since July 28, Hendaye has banned all water activities on its beaches, including Deux-Jumeaux and Grande Plage, after spotting massive Portuguese man-of-war swarms.
• Five beaches between Bidart and Anglet were closed on July 25, and authorities say further temporary bans remain possible as currents carry more physalies north.
• The Préfecture des Landes and Agence régionale de Santé have issued guidance to avoid touching physalies and to rinse stings with seawater before removing tentacles with dry sand or a rigid card.
• Portuguese man-of-war drift into temperate French Atlantic waters as rising sea temperatures and prevailing winds expand their tropical range.
• Lifeguards and health services maintain daily monitoring and public warnings to prevent painful skin lesions, systemic reactions, and drowning risks.