Jellyfish and other sea creature stings
Overview
Most stings from sea creatures in the UK are not serious and can be treated with first aid. Sometimes you may need to go to hospital.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of sea creature stings are intense pain where you're stung and an itchy rash. Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings can also cause raised stripes on the skin (welts).
Prevention
If you go in the sea there are things you can do to reduce the risk of being stung by a sea creature. look out for beach warning signs look out for beach warning signs consider wearing a wetsuit when swimming in the sea, particularly during the spring and summer consider wearing a wetsuit when swimming in the sea, particularly during the spring and summer wear waterproof shoes or sandals when walking in shallow water or rocky areas wear waterproof shoes or sandals when walking in shallow water or rocky areas scuff or stamp your feet when walking in shallow water to make sea creatures aware you're approaching scuff or stamp your feet when walking in shallow water to make sea creatures aware you're approaching do not touch or handle sea creatures that sting do not touch or handle sea creatures that sting