Warning for sea swimmers with the return of jellyfish to NI's coastline
Did you know they can still sting when they're washed up on shore 🌊
Last updated 14th Jul 2021
The return of the sunshine certainly is a welcome surprise.
But with the sunnier weather, comes warmer waters around our coast, and that means one thing… a rise in jellyfish activity.
Jellyfish stings in Northern Ireland are not usually life threatening and most just require basic first aid. It's best to be prepared!
There are five native jellyfish species to NI’s coastal waters:
- Moon
- Barrel
- Compass
- Blue
- Lion’s Mane
Just last summer, hundreds of Lion’s Mane jellyfish washed up on the shore near Cloughey on the Ards peninsula. So, it’s important to stay vigilant when exploring NI’s beaches this time of year.
Dog owners in particular need to be careful, the sea creatures can still cause dogs a nasty injury, even when they’re dead.
If you do spot a jellyfish floating in the water, don't try and move it or wave it away, simply move out of its path and alert others to its presence.
If there are large numbers that are hard to avoid, it’s best to get out of the water. Often lifeguards put up flags if there's a significant jellyfish population nearby.
What to do if you get stung by a jellyfish:
First things first, don’t panic! If you do get stung, get out of the water immediately and ask someone to remove any attached tentacles. Do NOT rub them off, instead scrape or pick off with gloves or tweezers.
If you’re on a lifeguarded beach, alert the team so they can offer advice and help protect others from getting stung too.
To help with the pain, apply a heat pad or run the sting under hot water.
Antihistamines can help relieve swelling, while paracetamol can help with any residual pain. If you show signs of a severe allergic reaction or become short of breath, seek medical help urgently.
Top tips for wild swimming:
Should you be swimming here?
Look for warnings or guidance signs which may alert you to dangerous places to swim. Is there a safe place to enter and exit the water? If the answer is no, look for somewhere else.
Keep within the designated areas
Whether you're swimming in a pool, ocean or lake, staying within the designated swim areas is vital to staying safe. On a lifeguarded beach, stay between the red and yellow flags.
Wear a life vest
Young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-certified life jacket around water. The beach might look inviting in the glorious sunshine, but it can be freezing beneath the surface. A wetsuit, swim belt and/or dry bag are advised.
Never swim alone
The safest places to go swimming outdoors will have lifeguards on duty, and you will be much safer swimming with friends than on your own.
NEVER use inflatables in the sea
Inflatables, blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, and shouldn't be used in the sea, as they can easily be swept out.
Expect a current
Always check the tidal activity before you go in, so you know what to expect. It's difficult to swim in a straight line with rip currents, waves and tides moving you in different directions under the water. Don't forget to keep an eye on the shoreline too!
Stay calm and signal
If you do get into difficulty swimming outside, fight the instinct to swim harder and against the water. Stay calm and signal to shore for help.
Dial 999 to help others
If you see someone else in trouble, do not go into the water to help them. Instead, call 999 or alert a lifeguard immediately. Check to see if there is something nearby that floats, you can throw to them for help.
Read more:
50 things to see and do in Northern Ireland this summer
Best surf spots across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Most 'Instagrammed' Beaches