UK holiday warning over venomous creatures hiding in sand at popular beaches – how to spot dangers
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned by experts about a nasty critter that can inflict pain “as bad as childbirth”.
Brits are urged to watch out as they enjoy a day on the sand after a beachgoer was stung by the venomous creature.
The weever fish, found in Anglesey on the Welsh coastline, has sparked panic and triggered a warning covering every beach on the island.
These poisonous animals lay just underneath the sand, making them tricky to spot.
They leave harmful spikes poking out, which if stood on, can cause intense pain described “as bad as childbirth”, according to Wild Swim Wales.
The most intense pain will kick in about 30 minutes after being stung and victims have said it feels like being “on fire”.
A man who fell victim to the venomous spines last week told NorthWalesLive: “It started at 3am like I’m having a start of a panic attack.
“My heart rate was all over the place. Funny enough, (it’s) not sore now (but) my heart’s racing, there’s ringing in my ears and I feel dizzy sick.”
With summer holiday plans in full swing, Moelfre Coastguard has urged families to be vigilant for the “four inches of nasty”.
A spokesperson said: “They spend most of their time lying in the sand with their stinging spines raised waiting for flat fish.
“So the majority of stings come from people standing on them barefoot.
“Our best advice is to wear some type of sea shoes or even old trainers.”
Weever fish measure around three and a half inches long and are usually found nearer the shoreline, but could pop up anywhere.
If you are caught out, symptoms to look out for are swelling, numbness and itching.
Worst case scenarios have seen people develop breathing and heart problems as well as low blood pressure.
Dogs can also be stung and it is best to take them to a vet – but it is rare.
However, one poor pooch who tried to pick one up, nearly choked on his own blood so owners are advised to keep on the look out.
This comes as one mum had to rush her 13-year-old daughter to hospital after being stung.
Lottie Dawson, 13, was enjoying a day out at Sutton-on-Sea in Lincolnshire on Monday with her sister Nieve, brother Jude and mum Nikki when she felt a sharp shooting of pain in her foot.
Meanwhile, another girl is no longer able to walk after her encounter with the nasty fish.
Evie Austin was bitten by a weever fish while learning to body-board off the coast of Cornwall last summer.
The 12-year-old was confined to a wheelchair after being diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome.
HOW TO TREAT A WEEVER FISH STING
According to Moelfre Coastguard,
If you experience an intense reaction such as trouble breathing or heart palpitations, it is advised to call 999.
If your pain is less intense, the sting can be treated with hot water.
The higher temperature will destroy the poison as it is protein-based.
Use tweezers to remove the spines.
Painkillers can also be taken to ease pain.