It's Jellyfish season

There are some old wives tales that we do not recommend and urinating on it is one of them. The best thing you can do is get some sea water and gently pour that over the affected sting.

If people have been stung, they need to get out of the water to avoid getting stung again. Once out, slowly pouring seawater over the sting will help ease the pain, followed by the application of ice wrapped in a cloth. Local anaesthetic gels and other forms of pain relief can be obtained from a pharmacy should the pain persist. Many people believe that urine or vinegar should be used, however this is not the case – these may discharge the nematocysts – the cause of the sting – and potentially cause further stings.

There are far more jellyfish than might normally be expected, and while they are highly unlikely to have serious consequences, their stings can be painful, particularly for anyone who receives multiple stings. We are not saying that people should avoid going into the water, but it is important that they are aware. Parents may wish to keep an eye out for children who are not confident swimmers and may be alarmed if they are stung while swimming, while young children who see a jellyfish on the shoreline should be told not to touch any part of it – both the body and the tentacles are capable of delivering stings, and dead jellyfish can still sting. Dog walkers should also be aware.