Paddlers and swimmers using beaches in Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean have been given a fresh warning to watch out for jellyfish in the sea after hundreds of the creatures have been seen in the water this week.
Large numbers of Moon Jellyfish, which can deliver a mild sting, have been seen this week, as pictured here, just days after a safety warning from the Marine Conservation Society.
The recent heatwave and warm summer weather have caused an increase in the numbers of jellyfish around the UK coastline.
Beach warden Dave Furber told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’ve had hundreds of Moon Jellyfish washed up this week on each high tide. It’s the most I’ve seen here in a long time.”
“We are recommending that paddlers keep an eye out for the creatures as a precaution and avoid touching them.”
Dr Peter Richardson, the Marine Conservation Society Biodiversity Programme Manager and jellyfish expert, said: “While some jellyfish are harmless or have a very mild sting, others have a more painful sting.”
“We recommend that, for their own safety, beach users do not touch them.”
“As our waters have warmed, sightings of jellyfish have increased, with Moon Jellyfish reported in large numbers around the UK, including reports of compass and blue jellyfish in the south west.”
Pictured: The Moon Jellyfish washed up on Brean beach this week
