Warning Over Venomous Weever Fish in Cumbria Waters This Summer
People visiting Cumbria’s beaches this summer are being warned to watch out for weever fish.
The small fish can be found in British coastal waters and may be present around the Cumbrian coastline during the warmer months.
Weever fish are one of the few venomous fish found in UK waters. They are usually small, but their sting can be extremely painful if someone steps on one.
They often hide under the sand in shallow water, making them difficult to see.
What Are Weever Fish?
Weever fish are small sea fish that live in sandy and muddy areas close to the shore.
The lesser weever fish can grow up to around 15cm long and is found around Britain. It is most often seen between June and October, when people are more likely to be paddling, swimming or walking barefoot in shallow water.
The fish usually buries itself in the sand with only parts of its head and fin showing.
This makes it easy for beachgoers to step on one by accident.
Why Are They Dangerous?
Weever fish are not aggressive and do not chase people.
The problem comes from their venomous spines. These are found on the black dorsal fin on the fish’s back and on the gill covers.
When the fish is disturbed, it can raise its fin in defence. If someone stands on it, the spine can pierce the skin and inject venom.
The sting is usually felt in the foot, because most cases happen when people walk barefoot in shallow water or on wet sand.
What Does a Weever Fish Sting Feel Like?
A weever fish sting can cause sudden, intense pain.
People may also experience swelling, redness, throbbing, numbness or pain spreading up the foot or leg.
In most cases, the sting is painful but not life-threatening. However, anyone who feels unwell, has breathing problems, chest pain, severe swelling or symptoms that do not improve should seek urgent medical help.
Children, older people and anyone with health concerns should be treated with extra care.
Where Could They Be Found in Cumbria?
Weever fish can be found around the UK coast, including sandy shorelines.
In Cumbria, people should be aware when visiting beaches and coastal areas, especially during warm weather and lower tides.
They are more likely to be a risk in shallow water where people paddle barefoot.
Popular coastal areas across the county can become busy during the summer, so beach safety advice is especially important for families and visitors.
How to Reduce the Risk
The simplest way to reduce the risk is to avoid walking barefoot in shallow seawater or across wet sand.
Beach shoes, wetsuit boots or sandals can provide a barrier between your foot and any buried fish.
People can also shuffle their feet slowly when walking in shallow water. This movement can disturb the sand and may encourage fish to move away before they are stepped on.
Parents should keep an eye on children paddling barefoot, as they may not notice the fish until they have been stung.
What to Do if You Are Stung
If someone is stung by a weever fish, the affected area should be placed in water as hot as the person can safely tolerate.
The hot water can help reduce the effect of the venom and ease the pain. Cumbria Wildlife Trust says the pain should begin to ease after around 15 minutes.
Do not use water that is hot enough to burn the skin.
If there are any spines left in the wound, they should be removed carefully. The area should then be cleaned.
Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help, if the person can take them safely.
Medical advice should be sought if the pain is severe, if symptoms continue, if the sting becomes infected, or if the person feels faint, sick or unwell.
Beachgoers Urged to Stay Aware
Weever fish are a natural part of the marine environment and are not usually a major danger if people take simple precautions.
However, their sting can be very painful and may spoil a day at the beach.
Anyone visiting the Cumbrian coast this summer should wear suitable footwear, take care in shallow water and know what to do if a sting happens.
The advice is simple: watch where you step, avoid bare feet in shallow water, and use hot water treatment quickly if stung.
