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Beachgoers are being warned to be on the lookout for giant jellyfish.
The alert has been issued after several sightings of the weird-looking animals at Seaton Carew in the north-east of England, with beachgoers – especially those with children and dogs – being warned to steer clear of the creatures.
The species of the jellyfish that has been spotted this week is believed to be lion's mane.
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Although they aren’t poisonous, they can deliver a nasty sting, reports Teesside Live.
Local resident Graeme Measor was one of those who spotted a jellyfish on the beach.
He said: "People should be careful, especially with dogs. It was a surprise to see, it was huge."
Pamela Robinson added: "It was huge. I've never seen anything like it. Turns out it was a lion's mane, which can be quite nasty."
The Wildlife Trusts says people can look but should not touch these giant creatures, which are found around the UK coastline in the summer.
The organisation said: “Up to 3m in length, the tentacles are packed with stinging cells and are used to catch their favourite prey: fish and other smaller jellyfish. Lion's mane jellyfish give a very nasty sting, so consult a doctor if the swelling is severe.”
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If one of the jellyfish does get you, the NHS’s advice is to rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water), remove any spines using tweezers or the edge of a bank card, and then soak the area of the sting in water as hot as you can tolerate, for at least half an hour.
But you shouldn’t use vinegar or put an ice pack on it – and don’t wee on it either – despite the old wives’ tale that it can help.
Don’t touch any of the spines with your bare hands and don’t cover or try to close the wound.
If you have severe pain that doesn’t go away, or if you’re stung on your face or in your privates, go to a minor injuries unit for help.
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