Venomous fish spotted on Cleethorpes beach
A type of venomous fish that buries itself in sand has been spotted on Cleethorpes beach.
The Cleethorpes Beach Safety team is urging people to remain vigilant after sighting a weever fish on the shore of Cleethorpes beach.
A Cleethorpes Beach Safety spokesperson said:
“Weever fish – they have been spotted on Cleethorpes beach.
“The weever fish is commonly seen at low tide, they have venomous spines or their dorsal fins and gills, and can give a nasty sting.
“Be careful when walking barefoot on the beach as they like to bury themselves in the sand. Wear beach shoes if possible.
This can also affect your dog.”
This comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has permitted people in England to engage in unlimited outdoor exercise, and visit beaches.
It is thought that increasing numbers of people will begin to visit Cleethorpes beach as the weather improves. People therefore need to be aware of the risks involved, which may now stem beyond coronavirus.
Weever fish are quite small and spend most of their time living in the sand, rather than swimming.
They have spines along their back and can give a nasty sting.
Symptoms of a string include severe pain, itching, swelling, heat, redness, numbness, tingling and nausea.
The Beach Safety team say people should wear beach shoes if possible, and have been reminding people about how dangerous weever fish can be for dogs.
If you are stung by a Weever fish, you are advised to rinse the affected area with sea water – not fresh water, remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a band card, soak the area in warm water, as hot as can be tolerated, for at least 30 minutes, use a hot flannel or towel if you cannot soak it, and take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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