A mum has warned beachgoers to take care after she almost stepped on a jellyfish "bigger than her head" and was stunned to see dozens of them washed up on the sand. Kate Lally, 33, was listening to a podcast when she almost stood on one of the creature, reports The Echo.
Kate said: "I've never seen jellyfish that big, they were bigger than my head. I was listening to a podcast so I wasn't giving my full attention to exactly where I was walking and I almost stood on it.
"I was only on the beach for 15 minutes or so and I saw dozens of them washed up."
A mum was left feeling uneasy after almost standing on a jellyfish 'bigger than her head' while walking on Formby Beach (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Kate said seeing the jellyfish made her "shudder" after she was stung by a number of them in July 2021. At the time she had only been in the sea for eight minutes when she described "blinking" and being surrounded by the animals.
She suffered stings to her right arm and both legs. She said: "I wouldn't let it put me off going to the beach but I do think people need to be careful especially if they've got young kids or pets with them."
Vicky Blane, General Manager for the National Trust said: "During the summer months jellyfish can often be spotted in the sea around the UK. At Formby you might spot varieties like the harmless barrel jellyfish, or the compass jellyfish that can give you a painful sting.
"Although most jellyfish found in the UK do not cause serious harm, we advise anyone stung by a jellyfish to seek medical attention. You can avoid jellyfish stings by staying alert for the sight of them in the water, as well as on the beach.
"We also recommend swimming shoes for anyone taking a dip in the sea."
What should you do if you are stung by a jellyfish?
NHS advice says to:
- rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water)
- 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 may also need medical assistance. If you are concerned, contact NHS 111.
