A warning has been issued after venomous Lion's Mane jellyfish were spotted on beaches in north Dublin.
Fingal County Council says there will be a noticeable increase in their numbers along the coast over the coming weeks. The local authority says that conditions are ideal for the jellyfish from the middle of August and up to the second week of September.
Fingal County Council is urging bathers to be extra vigilant on all of our beaches where Lions Mane jellyfish are found. Please note that even when they’re dead and washed up on the beach, the venom stays in their tentacles for a few days. pic.twitter.com/ZyMvUQv0VT
— Fingal County Council (@Fingalcoco) July 27, 2022
It's urging swimmers to be vigilant as the venom can stay in their tentacles even after they've died and washed up on a beach.
A sting can cause nausea, sweating, cramps, headaches and other symptoms. Anyone who suffers a severe sting should get urgent medical attention.
First aid for the treatment of jellyfish stings:
- Ensure you don't get stung yourself when aiding others;
- Remove any attached tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, or towel (if none of these are available use the tips of your fingers);
- Do not rub the affected area (this may result in further venom release);
- Rinse the affected area with sea-water. When you get home, you can bathe/rinse the area in warm to hot water;
- Apply a ‘dry cold pack’ to the area (i.e. place a cold pack or ice inside a plastic bag and then wrap this package in a t-shirt or other piece of cloth);
- Seek medical attention if there is anything other than minor discomfort.
What not to do:
- Don’t rub the area;
- Don’t rinse with fresh water. Use sea water;
- Don’t urinate (pee) on the sting;
- Don’t use vinegar for the types of jellyfish stings that might happen in Ireland;
- Don’t use alcohol;
- Don’t put on a tight bandage.
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