Warning to beachgoers after a number are stung by weever fish

The RNLI has issued a warning to beachgoers after a number of people, including children, were stung by weever fish over the bank holiday weekend.

Weever fish have venomous spines on their first dorsal fins and gills, and often bury themselves in sandy areas of shallow water to snatch prey as it comes past.

But the fish can end up stinging people who don't see them and step on their sharp spines.

That happened to several people at Criccieth Beach in north Wales at the weekend, prompting the RNLI to issue a warning for people to wear footwear when paddling.

They wrote: "Following multiple cases of people being stung by weever fish on Criccieth Beach, we urge beachgoers to wear appropriate footwear whilst paddling.

"The weever fish’s sting is painful but not normally serious. If you or a family member is stung, it’s best to bathe the affected area in warm water. If the pain does not subside or the wound becomes inflamed, consult a doctor.

"The fish are common along our coastline during the summer and hide under the sand with their barbs exposed.

"The weever fish are quite prolific at the moment and a few people, mainly children, are paddling in the shallows and are getting stung."

Stings are most common in the hours before and after low tide.

Crew member Ifer Gwyn said the issue had also been reported at other beaches in the area.

He said: "We have had four incidents over the weekend and that's just Criccieth beach, at other beaches there's been similar or more reports of people being stung, such as Harlech beach.

"The best advice is to take precautions and wear correct footwear, like trainers or a surf shoe.

"If you do get stung, put the affected foot into warm water, that dissolves the poison toxicity within around 15 minutes.

"You should do that as soon as you can, and if the pain does not go away, go to A&E or go to see a doctor."