A deadly species of jellyfish has returned to Irish beaches this week - just as the hot weather arrives.
A number of sightings of a Portuguese Man o’ War have been reported by residents in the west, with the venomous jellyfish being spotted along the coastline, Galway Beo reports.
It was seen on Clare beaches such as Fanore and at Lahinch, a popular surfing beach and draws thousands of families, children and young people who take lessons each day with the various surf schools there.
Read More: Irish beachgoers warned of hidden threat with the arrival of summer weather this week
The creature, whose numerous venomous tentacles can measure up to 20 metres long, can deliver a painful sting which is powerful enough to kill fish and which has occasionally killed humans.
Co Clare’s Water Safety Development Officer Clare McGrath confirmed the deadly species had been reported in recent weeks, in particular at Fanore, which can get a lot of tidal activity because of its location on the north Clare coast.
She said that lifeguards are on the lookout for them on the county’s beaches.
But she also appealed to people to keep themselves informed about what they look like and to be vigilant about touching them, particularly if they are seen on a beach.
“I’d be more worried about children and pets who are very curious and who are walking on the beach,” Ms McGrath said.
“These siphonophores are quite distinctive and have this bluish balloon like float on their bodies, and children may be attracted to them and might poke them.
“And animals may also be inclined to approach them. Swimmers will see them instantly with their blue balloon in the water and can stay away from them.”
She added that anyone who sees a jellyfish along the beach should inform a nearby lifeguard immediately.
It comes over a month after a Man O’ War jellyfish was spotted in Galway, with a resident capturing the creature along Silverstrand Beach.
A picture of the specimen was put up on Facebook with a caption that read: “Portuguese Man of War on Silverstrand Beach today!”
Here’s what you should do if 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 (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes - use hot flannels or towels
- if you cannot soak it take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
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