Mum’s warning after being ‘surrounded’ on the beach within minutes

A mum is warning beachgoers after she nearly stepped on a jellyfish that was “bigger than her head”.

Kate Lally, 33, a mum from Formby was walking along the beach on Wednesday, May 31 when she was stunned to see dozens of jellyfish washed up on the sand. She described how she was listening to a podcast when she almost stood on one of the fish, which she described as being “bigger than her head”.

The ECHO has previously reported on jellyfish, including the world’s biggest Lion’s Mane jellyfish, invading Merseyside’s coastlines in the warmer months.

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Kate said: “I go to Formby beach quite often and I’ve never seen jellyfish that big, they were bigger than my head. I was listening to a podcast so I wasn’t giving my full attention to exactly where I was walking and I almost stood on it.

“I was only on the beach for 15 minutes or so and I saw dozens of them washed up.”

Kate said seeing the jellyfish made her “shudder” after she was stung by a number of them in July 2021. At the time she had only been in the sea at Formby beach for eight minutes when she described “blinking” and being surrounded by the animals.

She suffered stings to her right arm and both upper legs. Two days later and all three stings are still extremely prominent on her skin.

She told The ECHO: “I wouldn’t let it put me off going to the beach but I do think people need to be careful especially if they’ve got young kids or pets with them.”

Vicky Blane, General Manager for Formby Beach at the National Trust said: “During the summer months jellyfish can often be spotted in the sea around the UK. At Formby you might spot varieties like the harmless barrel jellyfish, or the compass jellyfish that can give you a painful sting.

“Although most jellyfish found in the UK do not cause serious harm, we advise anyone stung by a jellyfish to seek medical attention. You can avoid jellyfish stings by staying alert for the sight of them in the water, as well as on the beach.

“We also recommend swimming shoes for anyone taking a dip in the sea.”

A spokesperson for Sefton Council has previously given the ECHO similar advice, saying: “Blooms of jellyfish are quite a common occurrence along our coastline, which is why our Green Sefton team always advises people going for a paddle to wear sandals or wellies.

“Even when they are washed up, which happens frequently, these fascinating creatures can pack a sting, so people should avoid touching them.”

What should you do if you are stung by a jellyfish?

NHS advice says to:

• 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

You may also need medical assistance. If you are concerned, contact NHS 111.

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