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Clearwater Beach sends up purple flag warnings after swimmers report jellyfish stings

The purple flag is used to warn swimmers about potential stinging marine life in the water.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — If you've been out to Clearwater Beach over the past day or so, you may have noticed lifeguards have the purple flags up. 

Clearwater Parks and Recreation says that's because there have been reports of swimmers getting stung by jellyfish. The flags are up to warn beachgoers about jellyfish and stingrays in the water. 

The Florida of Department of Environmental Health says when purple flags go up it means swimmers should watch for stinging marine life, like jellyfish, stingrays and Man O' War.

Swimmers are reminded to do the "stingray shuffle" and to swim near lifeguards. If you are stung, you should go to a lifeguard for help.

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