By Lisa Ramsden
A member of Newcastle’s sea swimming community is advising people to be cautious when entering the water close to the town’s shoreline, following an increase in sightings of weever fish.
These small, stealthy, and stinging fish – which have a tiny venomous spine on their back – are routinely seen near the harbour. However, in recent days, they have also been spotted in the shallow waters that stretch north from the harbour towards the Rock Pool.
Speaking on Friday, a local woman said she believes people need to be aware of the risk, adding that she had seen firsthand just how painful the sting can be. She explained that while the fish are usually seen around the immediate vicinity of the harbour, there has been an increase in sightings closer to the shoreline along South Promenade.
In a social media post at the weekend, the Newcastle Coastguard team also raised awareness of the presence of weever fish.
Weever fish spend most of their lives buried in sand and have venomous spines on their dorsal fins, which can deliver a very painful sting. Measuring about 15cm long, they have a deep yellowish-brown body that makes them difficult to spot. They are found throughout the UK and are most commonly encountered between June and October.
Weevers are among the only venomous fish found in local waters, and it is believed that warmer weather – which brings more people to the beach – is increasing the likelihood of encounters with paddlers and bathers. Most people are stung on the soles of their feet.
The initial sensation has been likened to stepping on a very sharp shell, with symptoms intensifying shortly afterward. These can include intense pain, continuous throbbing, and possible swelling or redness. Relief typically comes when the foot is immersed in water as hot as can be tolerated for 20 to 30 minutes. To avoid scalding, both feet should be placed in the hot water, as the pain on the affected limb may mask the temperature.
Additional treatment includes carefully removing the spine (without direct contact), taking pain relief, monitoring for worsening symptoms, and using antihistamines if there is an allergic reaction.
To avoid being stung, beachgoers are advised to wear wetsuit boots or swimming shoes when wading in shallow water. If you are stung and experience more severe reactions such as vomiting or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention.
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