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.

What to do if you've been stung

Important: Get help if possible

If you've been stung by a sea creature such as a jellyfish, get local medical advice as soon as possible. You could ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for help.

If help is not available:

rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water)
remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card
soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes - use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen

do not pee on the sting
do not apply ice or a cold pack
do not touch any tentacles or spines with your bare hands
do not cover or close the wound

Non-urgent advice: Go to a minor injuries unit if:

you've been stung by a sea creature and you have severe pain that is not going away
you've been stung by a sea creature on your mouth or throat or near your eyes
you've been stung by a stingray
you've been stung by a sea creature in a tropical country
you have a high temperature or a wound that does not get better after being stung by a sea creature while travelling outside the UK

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

you've been stung by a sea creature and have:

difficulty breathing
chest pain
fits or seizures
severe swelling around the affected area
severe bleeding
vomiting
lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

Find your nearest A&E

Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Symptoms of sea creature stings

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).

How to avoid sea creature stings

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
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
scuff or stamp your feet when walking in shallow water to make sea creatures aware you're approaching