Urgent UK travel warning after invasion of venomous creatures on famous beaches – how to avoid getting hurt
AN URGENT UK travel warning has been issued over an invasion of venomous creatures on famous beaches – this is how to avoid getting hurt.
Holidaymakers are urged to avoid the Cornish beach of Gunwalloe after dozens were found after high tide.
The Compass jellyfish was spotted on the shore in the Lizard Peninsular, where BBC’s Poldark was filmed.
Wildlife experts advised swimmers to be “cautious” and not to touch the animals as they can give a nasty sting.
Holidaymaker Claire Wilson said: “I’ve been coming to this beach for 50 years and I’ve never seen these jellyfish here before.
“The sand was covered with them and there were even some swimming in the sea so I was really worried about paddling in case I stepped on one.”
The sea creatures have brown markings which make them look like a compass.
They can grow up to one foot wide, which is the size of a hand.
Their 24 long thin tentacles can continue to sting with their tentacles, even when they are not connected to their body.
Marine experts say the species is venturing closer ashore because of the sea’s increasingly warm temperatures.
A spokesman for The Cornish Wildlife Trust said: “Jellyfish spawn en masse and then die off quickly, then are blown inshore by onshore winds leading to multiple strandings like this.
“It is always worth being cautious around them since their sting can still be potent post-mortem if they are still wet.”
They can be found in British waters this summer from May to October.
The Cornish Wildlife Trust added: “We are always keen to hear about marine strandings and ask that the public call the Marine Strandings Network Hotline on 0345 201 2626 to report them.”
People getting in contact with a jellyfish are advised to rinse the affected area with salty sea and warm water.
The alert comes after Brits heading abroad were warned of a pesky jellyfish showing up in a holiday hot spot.
Alicante’s beaches were overrun with “fried egg” jellyfish in recent weeks.
Videos taken by locals showed an entire beach covered in the creepy jellyfish, and baby ones lurking in the shallows.