Warning over weeverfish peril on beaches

Warnings have gone out for people to protect their feet in the sea after ambulance crews treated four people for weever fish stings in one day,
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The small fish have spines laced with venom and hide in the sand in shallow water.

The sting can inflict agony on bathers.

There have been a number of incidents at Camber Sands in recent years and warm weather sees an increase in weever fish.

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A Secamb spokesman said: “While painful, weever fish stings can usually be treated with basic first aid unless someone is showing signs of a major allergic reaction,” he said.

“By submerging the foot in hot water the symptoms will often subside.”

People who react to the stings with breathing difficulties, major irritation or an obvious allergic reaction should either call for ambulance assistance or get help from a lifeguard, he said.

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