Jellyfish sting more than 25 children on busy day at beach

More than 25 children were stung by jellyfish in one day on Folkestone beach, after they are believed to have been enticed inland by the warmer shallow waters.

Volunteer rescue crews described Sunday as ‘exceptionally busy’ as thousands of people descended on the town to watch an air display and take part in an annual sandcastle competition.

But according to a coastal rescue charity, unsuspecting swimmers who had been soaking up the festivities such as the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain flyovers found themselves a bit too close to the sea creatures.

Now Folkestone Rescue, which works alongside Dover Coastguard, the RNLI and NCI Folkestone, says it is concerned the issue may not die down if the hot weather continues.

Russell Reilly, communications manager, said: “Every couple of metres we could see the jellyfish. There was definitely an increase over the weekend in terms of what we dealt with.

“Its always the warmer water that brings them in. It’s all to do with the water temperature. We are not trying to scare anyone. We’re just trying to make people aware.”

The group told people on site yesterday to keep an eye out and be careful following on their blog.

They had suggested swimmers wear full-length wetsuits and other protective gear.

In an updated statement on Monday, the charity said: “Monday was an exceptionally busy day with the Sandcastle Competition, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows and other events taking place meant a large number of people were enjoying the sun, sea and sights at Sunny Sands.

“Over the course of the day, our crew treated around 25 to 30 children who had received compass jellyfish stings of varying severity while swimming.

“Most of the injuries were relatively minor with no further treatment needed after the jellyfish stings had been neutralised by applying vinegar.”