Weever fish warning after spate of stings in Sidmouth

Sidmouth Lifeboat has issued advice on how to treat a weever fish sting after a number of incidents were reported in Sidmouth.

At least three incidents involving weever fish stings have been reported to lifeboat staff in the last seven days, with many stings thought to have gone unreported.

According to British Sea Fishing's website, Weever fish are a rare example of a venomous fish which inhabits British waters – both the lesser and the greater weever have spines on their backs and gill covers which secrete a potent venom.

Lesser weever fish come into shallow water and are the species most likely to be encountered by both anglers and bathers in the summer months.

Brian Taylor, a spokesman for Sidmouth Lifeboat, said: "We've had at least three incidents reported to us in the last seven days.

"My advice to swimmers is to be careful and if you are stung to come up to our boathouse or seek medical attention.

"There's nothing you can really do to prevent a sting, it's just the luck of the draw really."

Weever fish commonly grow to between eight and 12 centimetres long and are found all around the UK.

Sidmouth Lifeboat are encouraging people to check out advice recently released from the RNLI in Cornwall:

"Weever fish are common during warm summer months around UK shores. Our lifeguards treat hundreds of weever fish stings each season. While these stings are painful, they are generally nothing to worry about and will not cause any significant damage.

"The best treatment is to place the affected area in hot water for around 30 minutes. This will destroy the protein based venom and will allow you to continue to enjoy your day at the beach.

"There are far greater risks and hazards associated with coastal environments: the nature of tides, water movement and the effects of cold water.

"We always recommend you visit a lifeguarded beach, where we are on hand to give immediate treatment to weever fish stings."