20th June 2023. Weever fish are common during the warm summer months around UK shores, where they come inshore and can be found in very shallow water or buried in sand, leaving their poisonous dorsal spines sticking out.

 Unlike other fish Weever fish sink when they are not swimming so spend most of their time living in the sand where they lay just under the surface. They have between four and eight spines on their backs that can give a nasty sting if stood on. Lifeguards treat hundreds of Weever fish stings each season and, while these stings are painful, they  do not cause any significant damage. The pain is similar to a bee sting but often increasing further – casualties often report a sensation of their foot being 'on fire'.

 The NHS recommends that you ask a lifeguard or a first aider for help in the first instance, but if no help is available, you should take the following actions:

* Rinse the affected area with sea water (not fresh water)
* Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers

* Soak the area in the hottest water you can tolerate for at least 30 minutes to destroy the protein-based venom and  allow you to continue to enjoy your day at the beach*

*Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

The best protection is to wear something on your feet. it might not be practical, because you want to paddle, but it could save you from unnecessary pain. 

Remember stay alert  to stay safe on the beach this Summer