Warning to beach-goers as Portuguese Man O' War wash up across Cornwall
People are being urged to keep their distance from the colourful creatures
A warning is going out to beach-goers as Portuguese Man O' War wash up across Cornwall.
The colourful yet venomous creatures have been making an appearance at coves due to the recent strong on-shore winds.
Although pretty they come with a powerful sting and people are being urged not to touch or get too close to them.
Anyone who does get stung is being told to seek medical advice.
The Facebook group Friends of Portheras Cove said: "They're back! Our annual autumn visitors the Portuguese-Man-O-War are making an appearance in the coves at the moment due to the strong on-shore winds.
"Please admire from a distance and DO NOT TOUCH as they pack an extremely powerful sting (even after stranding) containing a neurotoxin which can be dangerous particularly if you are stung around the airways or eyes. Take extra care if you are paddling, swimming, or boarding on the north coast beaches.
"These amazing creatures are not in fact jellyfish - they are hydrozoans, each one being a colony of creatures as opposed to a single animal. They work together in perfect harmony and float a-top the waves going where the wind takes them.
"If you are stung please seek medical advice and do not resort to any old wives/old fishermen's/old beach-combers tales....they do not work with these creatures!"
Symptoms of sea creature stings:
The main symptoms of sea creature stings are intense pain where you're stung and an itchy rash.
Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings can also cause raised circular areas on the skin (welts).
HM Coastguard has issued advice on what to do and what not to do if you are stung: Symptoms of sea creature stings:
DO:
Rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water).
Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.
Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it.
Take painkillers like paracetamol or Ibuprofen
DON’T:
Do not use vinegar
Do not pee on the sting
Do not apply ice or a cold pack
Do not cover or close the wound
Ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for help.
We advise that you always visit a lifeguarded beach.