Thanks to VB reader Claire S for earlier putting a warning out on our Facebook page about sightings of jellyfish on Sandown beach.
Claire wanted to warn dog-owners who might be taking their pets for a stroll along the beach, that she’d counted 62 mauve stinger jellyfish on the beach this morning.
She was worried that they may be a hazard to dogs, so we got in touch with The Virtual Ranger/Isle of Wight council Parks, Beaches & Countryside Manager, Matthew Chatfield, for advice.
Usually no need to avoid beaches
He told us, “Dogs do occasionally get stung by jellyfish but it is unusual, as their fur makes them a lot less susceptible to it than us, and as with humans it tends to happen in the water to a swimming dog rather than on the beach.
“If a human or dog has multiple jellyfish stings or shows any signs of unusual distress then medical advice should be sought promptly. Otherwise the effects are no worse than a brush with a stinging nettle, and in the case of most dead jellyfish, usually not even as bad as that.
“There’s usually no need to avoid beaches with dead jellyfish on, or to keep dogs away from them, but dog owners will be aware of their own pet’s likely behaviour, and as with any public place can usually assess any risk themselves.”
