People said they were "nervous" after a "monster" jellyfish washed up on a beach.
The discovery was made on the foreshore at Fairbourne, in North Wales. It was estimated to be one metre across and brought in by the tide to the mouth of the Mawddach estuary across the water from Barmouth, reports North Wales Live.
One theory of why the jellyfish was washed up on the beach was because it was lured inshore by the “fishy” algal blooms recently reported along the coasts of Gwynedd and Ceredigion. A photo of the Fairbourne “monster” was shared on social media and it prompted an outburst of startled exclamations.
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One woman said: “Jeeeeeeze, size of that bad boy!" Another added: “My God, that’s huge." and another man also said: “Oh my God, imagine if the kids saw that!”
Barmouth is popular tourism resort and many visitors return year after year, especially from the English Midlands. But the sight of the jellyfish on local beaches has prompted some to pause for thought.
A woman said: “Don’t be dipping your toes in when you go." Another agreed: “Oh my goodness!!! Nooooooo, that’s me even more nervous.” A man from the West Midlands has already seen enough, as he said as a joke: “Cancelled my holiday now, thanks."
In Formby, a mum warned beachgoers after she nearly stepped on a jellyfish that was "bigger than her head". Kate Lally, 33, was walking along the beach on Wednesday, May 31 when she was stunned to see dozens of jellyfish washed up on the sand.
She described how she was listening to a podcast when she almost stood on one of the fish, which she described as being "bigger than her head". The ECHO has previously reported on jellyfish, including the world's biggest Lion’s Mane jellyfish, invading Merseyside's coastlines in the warmer months.
Kate said: "I go to Formby beach quite often and I've never seen jellyfish that big, they were bigger than my head. I was listening to a podcast so I wasn't giving my full attention to exactly where I was walking and I almost stood on it.
"I was only on the beach for 15 minutes or so and I saw dozens of them washed up."
Vicky Blane, General Manager for Formby Beach at the National Trust said: "During the summer months jellyfish can often be spotted in the sea around the UK. At Formby you might spot varieties like the harmless barrel jellyfish, or the compass jellyfish that can give you a painful sting.
"Although most jellyfish found in the UK do not cause serious harm, we advise anyone stung by a jellyfish to seek medical attention. You can avoid jellyfish stings by staying alert for the sight of them in the water, as well as on the beach.
"We also recommend swimming shoes for anyone taking a dip in the sea."A spokesperson for Sefton Council has previously given the ECHO similar advice, saying: “Blooms of jellyfish are quite a common occurrence along our coastline, which is why our Green Sefton team always advises people going for a paddle to wear sandals or wellies.
“Even when they are washed up, which happens frequently, these fascinating creatures can pack a sting, so people should avoid touching them."
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