Warning issued for Dublin swimmers over jellyfish whose stings can cause cramps and nausea

A sting from a lion’s mane jellyfish can cause nausea, sweating, cramps, headaches and other symptoms.

A warning has been issued for swimmers in north Dublin over jellyfish whose stings can cause cramps and nausea. In a statement, Fingal County Council said a member of the public came forward and revealed they spotted a large amount of lion's mane jellyfish on Donabate Beach. The pictures below were taken by the person on Sunday, with Fingal County Council stating that these jellyfish may also be spotted at its other beaches. [caption id="attachment_730500" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image via Fingal County Council[/caption] "Fingal County Council wishes to advise that from the middle of August and up to the second week of September, conditions are ideal for lion's mane jellyfish: there will be a noticeable increase in their numbers on our beaches and in our waters," it said. A sting from a lion’s mane jellyfish can cause nausea, sweating, cramps, headaches and other symptoms and severe stings need medical attention. As such, Fingal County Council is urging bathers to be extra vigilant on all its beaches where lion's mane jellyfish are found. It said that even when the species of jellyfish are dead and washed up on the beach, the venom stays in their tentacles for a few days. "With so many long trailing tentacles there is a chance you could still get stung, even when you try not to swim near them," it added. "Also, fragments of the lion's mane jellyfish's tentacles that break off in the water will sting you, even if they're no longer attached to the jellyfish." Where lifeguards have noticed a large number of lions mane's jellyfish, they may raise the red flag to advise against swimming. "If you are stung on a lifeguarded beach, please approach the lifeguards on duty for assistance," Fingal County Council said. In terms of treatment for jellyfish stings, Fingal County Council said to remove any attached tentacles with a gloved hand, stick or towel and to not rub the affected area as that may result in more venom release. People are advised to rinse the affected area with seawater and then warm to hot water at home and to apply a dry cold pack. Do not rinse the sting with fresh water, vinegar, alcohol or urine and do not put on a tight bandage, Fingal County Council also advised. If you suffer any pain other than minor discomfort, seek medical attention. Those aiding people who suffer a jellyfish sting should be careful they do not get stung in the process. For more information, visit the council's site. Main image via Fingal County Council