Swimmers are being advised to be cautious after the discovery of the jellyfish-type creatures, which have a painful sting.

Worthing foreshore inspector Mac Skeet said the Man O' Wars started washing up on Monday, August 18 and five more had been found over the weekend of August 23 and 24.

Shoreline search

He added: "We think it is the gales that have washed them in.

"They tend to get caught in the seaweed and can be hard to see because they are not that big.

"A couple of them have been reported by members of the public, but we have been doing shoreline searches early in the morning."

Mr Skeet warned people to be aware and keep their eyes open for the creatures and suggested people wear something on their feet if they are going into the sea.

Sting advice

He said most of the Man O' Wars, which are actually a colony of organisms resembling jellyfish, did not recover but those that did were put back into the sea, as far out as possible.

A spokeswoman for Worthing and Adur councils said: "This jellyfish has a painful sting and should be washed straight away with water, either salt or fresh.

"For severe pain, try applying heat or cold, which ever feels better, to the casualty. Do not use vinegar."

If any other symptoms develop, people are advised to seek medical attention straight away.

Reports

A spokeswoman for Worthing Hospital said it regularly treated people for jellyfish stings in the summer, but that there was no record of any patients stung by the Man O' War.

Anyone who spots a Man O' War should call the Worthing beach office on 01903 238977.


-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk