Newswriting exercise: The Big Sting (9/19)

RYE, New Hampshire – More than 100 swimmers at Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye, N.H. reported being stung by a giant jellyfish in the water today, causing officials to close down the beach and sending five children to the hospital in fear of severe allergic reactions.

Emergency medical response crews responded to the incident from surrounding Seacoast area towns and rescue officials said that victims were treated in the bathhouse.

Of the victims, hospital officials reported no serious injuries as a result of the stings.

Alyssa Bennett, a resident of Hampstead, N.H, witnessed her three children all running out of the water at the same time crying.

“They were terrified,” she commented.

The 50 pound jellyfish was spotted by lifeguards shortly after swimmers began complaining of stings. They pulled it out of the water with a pitchfork.

Park Manager Ken Loughlin commented on the size of the jellyfish saying, “It was as big as a turkey platter.” Having worked at the beach for 30 years, Loughlin added, “I’ve never seen such a thing.”

Although such jellyfish are common in New England waters, Robert Royer, an aquarist at the Seacoast Science Center, said, “That’s the largest we have around here. I’ve never heard of them getting 50 pounds though.”

He explained that the tentacles can be up to 100 feet long and have barbs. The far-reaching tentacles can still sting even after the jellyfish is killed and broken up.