Portuguese Men-of-War have washed up onto the Island's beaches in large numbers.

The Department of Parks yesterday issued a warning to residents to exercise caution.

"Portuguese Men-of-War tentacles that have washed up on the beach are still capable of stinging for a period of time and they should be avoided to prevent injury," a spokesperson said.

Swimmers were advised to use extreme care while swimming and if stung, do the following:

rinse with salt water and remove any visible tentacles from the skin with a stick, glove or towel;

— treat the affected areas with vinegar;

— apply warm water or warm compress;

— remove any of the remaining tentacles by applying shaving cream with something like a tongue depressor stick or a credit card;

— apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.