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Venomous Weever Fish Return to UK Beaches with New Warning Signs

Safety campaigns now warn beachgoers to wear protective footwear with hot-water immersion prescribed for weever fish stings.

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Overview

  • Weever fish are one of the few venomous species in UK waters, spending June through September buried in sand along shallow coastal areas.
  • East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Norfolk Wildlife Trust have installed warning signs, posters and social media alerts urging bathers not to walk barefoot on affected beaches.
  • Victims describe excruciating pain as venom is injected through dorsal fin spines, leading to intense throbbing, redness and swelling that peaks within two hours.
  • Primary treatment involves immersing the sting in the hottest tolerable water, with NHS guidance also recommending salt-water rinses, spine removal, pain relief and up-to-date tetanus protection.
  • Marine experts advise wearing beach shoes, following the Seashore Code when rockpooling and leaving wildlife undisturbed to reduce the risk of stings.