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Dublin Live
7 days ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
Poisonous fish Dublin beach warning ahead of Ireland heatwave
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Ahead of the expected heatwave in Dublin over the coming week, beachgoers have been issued an important warning about a dangerous fish. With temperatures expected to hit up to 28C by Friday, Dublin's coastlines are sure to be packed with people soaking up the sun. While many of us track the tide for swimming, it should also be watched for safety. The Weeverfish is common on Irish beaches that have sand, and can pose a major pain risk. They can usually be found in the warm, shallow waters in the hour before and after low tide. Unlike most fish they have no swim bladder, meaning that they sink to the bottom as soon as they stop swimming. They are difficult to see because they spend most of their time buried under the sand. On their dorsal fin they have sharp spines containing venom. So if you step on one accidentally, you're in for a tough time according to the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland. What to expect Standing on a Weeverfish results in immediate intense, burning pain. The pain is most intense in the first 2 hours and can result in swelling, numbness and warmth. (Image: National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland) What to do Seek assistance from a lifeguard, if available. Submerge the affected limb or wound in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated for up to 90 minutes or until pain is easing. As the sting can result in numbness, immerse the unaffected limb too, as this may prevent inadvertent scalding. Cold applications may worsen the discomfort. Paracetamol can be considered to relieve pain. Care should be taken when pain relief is given that thermal burns do not occur due to the effects of the pain killer masking the temperature of the water used. The puncture site should be examined and embedded spines removed. Seek medical attention from a doctor as a tetanus and/or antibiotics may be required. Call the NPIC on 01 8092166 if you stand on a Weeverfish. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning for Irish beachgoers over hidden fish with venomous fins that cause intense pain & can send you to hospital
AN URGENT warning has been issued for thousands of people who are set to bask in the sun at the beaches in Ireland this week. With the Despite thousands of beachgoers set to reach the The Weeverfish is common on However, the fish is different compared to most fish as it doesn't have a swim bladder, meaning they sink to the bottom as soon as they stop And they are difficult to spot as they spend most of their time buried under the sand. READ MORE ON NEWS The poisonous fish have sharp spines containing venom on their dorsal fin. So if you accidentally step on one before spotting it in time, you will be experiencing intense pain that will occur in the first two hours. The pain will be immediate, resulting in swelling, numbness and warmth. People who have accidentally stepped on the Weeverfish are urged to seek assistance from a lifeguard if available or call the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland (NPIC) on 01 8092166. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN They are encouraged to submerge the affected limb or wound in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated, for up to 90 minutes or until the pain eases. As the sting can result in numbness, immerse the unaffected limb as well, which may prevent inadvertent scalding. Avoid using cold applications, as they may worsen the discomfort. Paracetamol can be considered to relieve pain if approved by the NPIC or doctors PAIN KILLER ALERT Care should be taken when pain relief is given that thermal burns do not occur due to the effects of the pain killer masking the temperature of the water used. The affected site should be examined, and embedded spines should be removed. Temperatures could hit 28C this weekend, with Ireland's beaches expected to be packed as thousands flock to the seaside for a cooling dip. Friday is currently forecast to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures expected to blaze between 22C and 28C. A "very warm or hot continental airmass" will feed up across Ireland with sunny conditions occurring widely. The second hottest day of the week will be Thursday, another dry day for most with warm spells of sunshine. Temperatures will reach highs of 21C to 26C in just light southwest or variable breezes. 1 Weeverfish can sting you with venom if not spotted in time Credit: Getty Images - Getty
