Experts in sea safety have urged people to be careful when visiting the beach after a number of people fell victim to a tiny little fish that can cause a huge amount of pain.
Over the years, several people have been stung by the poisonous Weever fish on the North Wales coastline - prompting victims of the UK's most toxic fish to advise beachgoers to invest in a pair of shoes to protect themselves. The normally shy creatures, which only grow to be around 8cm long, can deliver excruciating pain which has been called "as bad as childbirth".
The tiny fish have been described as the “bane of barefoot surfers” and pose a threat to dogs too. “If you step on one, you’ll know about it!" said Wild Swim Wales in a recent Facebook post. "It’s said to be as bad as childbirth!” Earlier this week, a man stung on Tywyn beach in Gwynedd posted a warning of the danger posed by these tiny creatures.
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According to Wales Online, the fish are usually found at the edge of the water during low tide, but they can be found anywhere on the beach. The fish bury themselves just under the sand, leaving their poisonous dorsal spines sticking out above the surface. RNLI Lifeguards in Wales said that, if stood on, they can cause a lot of pain – but not for everyone. “I have seen grown men cry and children hardly affected,” said a representative on Facebook. “It really depends on the size of the fish, how you step on it and how your body reacts to the venom.”
Despite the pain the tiny fish can cause, a sting is not normally serious, unless the victim has underlying conditions. In 2016, a 64-year old fisherman from Wrexham suffered a severe reaction and was airlifted to hospital after being stung at Trefor, Gwynedd. The west Wales coast can be a hotspot for the sand-coloured fish. Three years ago several people were stung on Criccieth beach and another at Harlech.
Wild Swim Wales also suggested another solution, that might lead to a few strange looks from passers-by. The organisation added: "Do the “Weever Fish Shuffle” – lots of tiny stamping feet kind of steps to send vibrations to make them move out of your way!” It also issued its annual warning for jellyfish. Most UK jellyfish only sting like a nettle but some people can have an allergic reaction so it's advised to avoid going barefooted on the beach, even though the risk is relatively small.
If you get stung, and you’re on a lifeguarded beach, reach out to the professionals for help. RNLI Lifeguards suggest victims immerse their foot in water as hot as they can handle for at least 30 minutes to draw out the poison. The added: “If the spine is stuck in your foot, it is also advised that you pull it out with tweezers or the edge of a bank card. But do not touch the spine with bare hands.”
For the pain, take paracetamol, along with antihistamine if you react. If the reaction looks serious, contact your GP or visit the hospital. Worst-case symptoms include severe swelling and bleeding, chest pain and difficulty breathing. The fish can also impact dogs, so unless your pooch has little boots to protect their feet it is advised to keep them away from the beach if you want to avoid them coming into contact with the fish.
However, the risk to dogs is considered to be quite low - thousands of dogs are walked on beaches every day and the vast majority never come into contact with the fish. If they are stung, a visit to the vet may be in order to ensure all barbs are completely removed, but the injury is not thought to be particularly risky to most pets.
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