AN URGENT warning has been issued over venomous fish with a sting said to be more painful than childbirth.
The tiny poisonous creatures have been spotted at popular UK beaches, seeing experts issue the stark warning – and offer advice on how to stay safe.
Weever fish are usually around 8cm long with the ability to deliver intense pain.
The sting has even been compared to childbirth, LiverpoolEcho reports.
Every summer they claim a handful of victims – and have already started plaguing UK beaches, including Wales‘ Treath Penrhos.
The fish are drawn to UK shores in the warmer weather, and lurk in shallow water.
The creatures bury themselves in the sand for camouflage, making it hard for sun-worshipping Brits to spot them.
Lifeguards recommend wearing swimming shoes to protect your feet from the creatures this summer.
Alternatively dragging your feet along the beach is said to disrupt the sand and scare any hiding fish away.
A lifeguard previously told The Sun the bites can pierce the skin and affects people differently.
She said: “I’ve seen grown men cry from the pain and then a small child not be affected by it.”
Should you step on one, there are ways to treat its powerful sting.
You should rinse the affected area with seawater before soaking in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
According to the British Sea Fishing website, the sting causes swelling and inflammation, and even localised paralysis in certain cases.
According to NHS Choices, if you are unlucky enough to get stung at the beach you should not pee on the area, cover it with vinegar or close the wound.
It recommends soaking in hot water and removing the spines from the skin with tweezers or a bank card.
The recent discovery comes after dog owners were warned to be on the lookout after a beloved pooch nearly died during a beach walk.
Thornton, a 13-year-old chocolate Labrador cross was one minute happily playing along Treath Penrhos, in Anglesey, but was in utter agony the next.
The family pet had suffered a nasty encounter with a weever fish and had started pawing at his muzzle and eating sand as blood poured from his mouth and his condition became critical.
