Jellyfish warnings as folk flock to the beach
Beachgoers were warned to beware as dozens of jellyfish were spotted at Seaburn beach.
The jellyfish warning came as hundreds of people flocked to the coast to enjoy the hot weather on Friday.
Sunderland City Council warned beachgoers to keep an eye out for jellyfish after reports that a number of the creatures had washed up on the shore.
The council said: “We have had reports of large numbers of jellyfish down at Seaburn beach. We advise if you are at the beach please be aware of jellyfish if you are going in or near the water.”
This follows numerous reports from visitors of the sea creatures washing up on shores along the North East coast in recent weeks.
The UK is home to six different types of jellyfish and two species of jellyfish-like animals – the Moon, Compass, Blue or Bluefire, Lion’s Mane, Barrel and Mauve Stinger.
It is also home to two species of jellyfish-like animals, known as siphonophores – the Portuguese Man O’War and the By-The-Sea-Sailor.
They all tend to be more commonly found in other areas of the country, however they can all live in the North Sea.
Thankfully, jellyfish in the UK are not considered to be dangerous, however some can possess a nasty sting.
The stings of UK jellyfish range from mild, such as the Moon jellyfish, to very powerful, like from the Portuguese Man O’War which carries the worst sting of all.
Dog owners should also be wary as dogs have suffered stings on the region’s beaches in recent weeks.
According to NHS advice, most stings are not serious and can be treated with first aid. Sometimes you may need to go to hospital, or ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for help. Here’s what you should do: Rinse the affected area with seawater.
Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.
Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it.
Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
You should not use vinegar, apply ice or a cold pack, cover the wound or touch any of the spines. Contrary to popular belief, do NOT urinate on the sting.