An Edinburgh swimmer has warned others as monster jellyfish start to wash up along Portobello beach due to warmer weather.
Dougie Kemp, 67, who swims in the sea everyday, explained how he has noticed more and more lion's mane jellyfish this summer season.
Lion's mane jellyfish are the largest species of the sea creatures and get their name from the ferocious appearance similar to a lion's mane. Unlike most jellyfish you may come across in Scottish waters these huge animals can give a very nasty sting.
READ MORE: East Lothian beach invaded by dozens of jellyfish in summer time phenomenon
Last year, Edinburgh Live reported how an 11-year-old schoolgirl in Fife was 'attacked' by the dangerous species and rushed to A&E for treatment. Several swimmers this year have also reported getting nasty stings from the jellies.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live Dougie who spotted the jellyfish said: "It was at the Joppa end of Portobello prom but I know there’s been quite a few all along the beach.
"I’m no expert but I think they’re lion's mane and certainly seem to be bigger than those I saw last year and I’m sure there’s more this year.
He added: "I've never been stung, but I had been in the water. I swim most days."
The avid swimmer shared the post in a local community group to make other wild swimmers aware, writing: "Be careful out there. Quite a few of these big guys on the beach when I was in today."
Jellyfish hatch in early spring and grow rapidly throughout the summer, drawn to warmer waters which now include our shoreline.
Dr Peter Richardson, jellyfish expert and Head of Ocean Recovery at Marine Conservation Society UK, tells us what to prepare for this summer season.
He said: "We are approaching the height of jellyfish season here in the UK and expect Scottish seas to be alive with various jellyfish species, from the harmless moon jellyfish to enormous lion's mane jellyfish that can pack a very painful sting that will spoil your day.
"Jellyfish are an important part of our marine biodiversity and bloom here every summer, so seasoned wild swimmers will know not to worry about them so long as one is sensible.
"It makes sense to wear a long wetsuit if you think jellyfish are about, and areas of sea with large numbers of lion's mane jellyfish are best avoided. If you get stung the chances are you will be fine, most of our species only deliver a mild sting, and the NHS provides excellent online advice on sting treatment.
"If you worried about symptoms from a severe sting then always contact your GP. Always remember with jellyfish, look but don't touch!"
What should you do if you're stung by a jellyfish?
- 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 for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it.
- Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- You should not use vinegar, apply ice or a cold pack, cover the wound or touch any of the spines. And contrary to popular belief, do NOT urinate on the sting.
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