Reports of a poisonous fish that buries itself in the sands of shallow water and can sting people who accidentally stand on it whilst paddling in the sea, have been confirmed in the last few days on the East Yorkshire coast.
Weever Fish are found all around the coast of the United Kingdom during the summer in areas with warm shallow water and a sandy beach.
The fish, which grows to around 14cm in length, buries itself in the sand leaving only its head and black dorsal fin visible.
The sting from the dorsal fin is said to feel like a ‘sharp stab’ and is initially extremely painful but will not leave any permanent damage.
Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea and Withernsea have First Aid posts (April to September) manned by the RNLI Lifeguards.
At Hornsea it has been reported there are Weever fish in the near to ten shoreline with ERYC’s Coastal Services team placing additional notices along Hornsea Promenade, warning beach-goers about the dangers of Weever fish when walking barefoot on the beach.
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To avoid the risk of being stung it is advisable to wear beach/jelly shoes when paddling.
The NHS advice says that Weever fish stings are best treated with as hot water that the affected person can handle for at least 30 minutes, or use hot flannels or towels.
It is also advised if the spine is stuck in your foot that you pull it out with tweezers or the edge of a bank card – but do not touch the spine with bare hands.
