Council issues warning after compass jellyfish wash up at Dublin beach
Compass jellyfish have washed up on a Dublin beach, with a warning issued to the public not to touch them as their tentacles can inflict painful stings.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is urging members of the public to avoid the jellyfish found at Seapoint Beach, saying that even dead jellyfish can continue to sting.
“Please be extremely careful if you are walking nearby. Even though these jellyfish are stranded on the shore and may be dead, their tentacles can still deliver a painful sting for quite some time,” the council said in a social media post.
People are also being urged not to allow pets near the jellyfish, while parents are advised to supervise children closely around rocks and seaweed where detached tentacles may become tangled.
The warning comes as large numbers of people continue to visit Dublin’s beaches during the summer holiday period.
Named after their distinctive markings, compass jellyfish are commonly found in Irish waters between July and September. Measuring about 30cm to 50cm, they have reddish-brown V-shaped markings, 24 long tentacles and four frilly mouth arms.
Although their sting is not considered life-threatening, contact should still be avoided.
The council also outlined first aid advice for anyone who comes into contact with one.
“If you or someone else accidentally touches one, immediately rinse the area with seawater (never fresh water) and scrape away any transparent tentacles with a plastic card,” they said.