IF you go barefoot on the beaches of Kerry this weekend there could be a nasty sting in the tail.
The public has been warned to stay away at low tide because of the clear and present danger posed by lethal weever fish.
They are small and they are poor swimmers but they pack a nasty sting and they lurk in sand just below the surface.
The Irish Water Safety Council said it’s best for people to steer clear of beaches at low tide but if they must go, to ensure they wear protective footwear such as sandals or flip-flops.
A sting could cause serious problems for people with allergies and medical help should be sought immediately in that instance. Otherwise, people that might be stung should place the affected area in very hot water in an attempt to extract the sting and boost circulation.
A spokesman for Irish Water Safety said weever fish like clean beaches and they can be found all along the coastline in places like Kerry so care needs to be taken in places like Rossbeigh, Inch and Derrynane.
The threat is greater now because of the new moon and spring tides which means that swimmers will have to venture further out on the beach.
They are long and mainly brown in color and they have poisonous spines on their fins and gills. By day, weevers bury themselves in sand, just showing their eyes, and snatch prey as it passes with a diet made up mainly of shrimp.
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