A jellyfish warning is in place for some beaches in Ireland

People on the east coast of Ireland are urged to be extra careful when visiting the beach during the heatwave.  Meath County Council has issued a warning for people going to the beach to be extra vigilant for a dangerous type of jellyfish, Lion's Mane, which have been found along the east coast recently. The most recent sighting was on the Bettystown Beach, which is located south of Drogheda. The council is asking people to be extra careful as a sting from this particular type of jellyfish can be very serious. Their advice is:

"Do not swim if a red flag is flying. Please always obey all flags at our guarded beaches and take extreme caution when entering the water."

They also add that even if there isn't a red flag present, that doesn't mean that the water is jellyfish free. If someone does end up getting stung the Irish Water Safety guidelines advise people to remove any tentacles with a gloved hand, stick or towel first before using your bare hand. Contrary to popular belief, fresh water, vinegar or alcohol are NOT the best way to rinse the area, simply use sea-water to rinse any excess venom. Then apply a cold pack, either ice or a freezer pack, to the affected area. If the person who is stung suffers any type of swelling, breathing difficulties, palpitation or chest tightness as a result then you need to bring them to the nearest emergency room.

WARNING - JELLYFISH Be extremely vigilant for dangerous Lion's Mane jellyfish at our beaches https://t.co/CkuWjJ0zbJ pic.twitter.com/r9q8Lg8z5G

— Meath County Council (@meathcoco) July 19, 2016