Dozens stung by jellyfish in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Authorities in New Smyrna Beach are warning surfers and swimmers about jellyfish after more than 30 people were stung on Tuesday.

Firefighter John Brooks said the jellyfish were so bad that one of his friends even got stung in the face.

"As he was going under a wave, as he was coming up, and the jellyfish came right on top of his head," said Brooks.

Brooks said Tuesday was a bad day for others in the water.

"As I paddled, I went to take a stroke and I literally just stuck my arm right on top of a jellyfish," Brooks said. "I saw at least a dozen people get stung in a two-hour period of time."

Beach officials said if you get stung, you should notify a lifeguard immediately.

But Brooks said the stings didn't faze him or his friend.

"I kept surfing," he said.

Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue officials said strong rip currents bring the jellyfish closer to shore.

WFTV