Bathers warned of jellyfish invasion

BATHERS have been warned to be on the lookout for a potentially lethal shoal of jellyfish which is invading beaches along the south-west coast.

Prevailing tides and south- easterly winds are bringing large numbers of the monster lion’s mane jellyfish on to beaches in Cork and Kerry, according to Dept of Marine official Kevin Flannery.

A number of swimmers and divers have had to be hospitalised for treatment for stings.

“These jellyfish are highly visible and can measure up to a foot and a half. They are brown/orange in colour and people shouldn’t touch them,” Mr Flannery advised.

“Neither should people touch their tentacles, which can look like seaweed. The sting gives a burning sensation, like you’d get from a nettle.”

Irish Water Safety has warned that huge swarms of these jellyfish are on the way and should be here by the weekend.

They are brought here on ocean currents, with some travelling via the warm Gulf Stream waters.

Irish Water Safety has further warned about the presence of large numbers of venomous weever fish, which are far more common here.

Swimmers have been advised not to go into the water, either side of low tide, so as not to be stung by the fish, which can inflict excruciating pain.

However, weever fish generally keep away from beaches where large numbers of people are paddling.

They are found buried in sand in low water, a little bit off the shore line.

They leave their poisonous dorsal fin exposed and, if a bather steps on one, the venom is quickly discharged.

People who receive stings can ease the pain by pouring hot water, or vinegar, on the affected area.