Many of us may instinctively be on the lookout for jellyfish when enjoying a day at the beach or going for a swim to cool down.
Yet, there is another sinister creature disguising itself in the sand.
The Weeverfish lurks in warm shallow waters in the hour before and after low tide.
They can be found in all parts of the Irish coast, but only in sandy areas.
The poisonous creature is tricky to spot because its colour allows itself to blend in with the sand.
The Weeverfish's sharp spines on their dorsal fin contain venom and can immediately bring your day out to the beach to a painful end.
What happens if I get stand on a Weeverfish?
Standing on a Weeverfish will cause intense, burning pain immediately.
The pain is usually most intense in the first two hours but can result in swelling, numbness and warmth
What should I do if I get stung by a Weeverfish?
- Look to see if there is a lifeguard, seek assistance if you can
- Submerge the affected limb or wound in really hot water, as hot as you can tolerate for up to 90 minutes or until the pain starts to ease.
- The sting can result in numbness so put your unaffected limb in the water as well, to prevent scalding
- Cold applications like ice packs may make the discomfort worse
- Paracetamol should be considered to relieve the pain.
- Examine the puncture site and remove the embedded spines
- You may require a tetanus shot or antibiotics
- Seek medical attention from a doctor, if necessary
Call 01 8092166 if you have been stung by a Weeverfish.
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