Warning of venomous weever fish along coastline

Hot weather has seen higher numbers of beachgoers stung by venomous weever fish

Hot weather has seen an increase in the number of paddlers and swimmers being stung by venomous fish, a lifeguard has said.

Beachgoers on north-east England's coast from Teesside up to Tynemouth have reported being painfully stung by weever fish, which have spiny backs that can puncture the soles of feet.

Lifeguard Rianna Manson said the fish camouflaged in the sand and remained hidden in warm, shallow water - unfortunately for visitors to the beach.

She said: "The level of pain varies between people due to each individual's pain tolerance and also due to the number of spines that punctured the skin."

The RNLI lifeguard service confirmed it had "seen an increase in the number of incidents involving weever fish this summer" along the North East.

"The dorsal fin contained three spines of venom, which protects the weever fish from any potential threats," Ms Manson said.

"Being stung by a weever can be painful, but it is generally nothing to worry about as it does not cause any significant damage."

The creatures, which measure about 7in (18cm) long, burrow into the sand where they hide.

'Very painful'

Hartlepool Borough Council has reported "an increase in number of weever fish" and Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade has warned visitors of "reports of a large number" of the venomous fish.

Beachgoers have been advised to wear sandals or shoes when paddling and to shuffle feet in the sand rather than stamping.

A Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade spokesperson said: "Be extra cautious in shallow, sandy areas.

"If stung, soak the affected area in hot (not scalding) water to help relieve pain, ensure the spines are not stuck in the foot and seek medical advice if required."

A spokesperson for Hartlepool Council said: "In common with other areas along the coastline, we have seen an increase in the number of weever fish due to the recent warm weather.

"The fish lie under the sand on the shoreline and have venomous spines on their dorsal fins which when stood on puncture the skin on the foot – sometimes leaving the spine in the wound - causing a very painful sting."