Warning - barrel jellyfish spotted along our foreshores
Barrel jellyfish have been reported on both the Littlehampton and Bognor Regis coastlines.
While barrel jellyfish are generally considered less venomous than some other species found in UK waters, they can still cause painful stings and skin irritation.
Please take care if visiting the beach:
- do not touch jellyfish, whether they are in the water or washed up on the shore
- supervise children closely and advise them not to handle marine wildlife
- keep dogs on a lead where possible and prevent them from approaching or investigating jellyfish
If you do get stung, head to the beach office where assistance is available - the Littlehampton Beach Patrol Office is located directly on the East Beach Promenade - our Beach Patrol and Foreshore teams are on duty daily between 10am and 6pm.
If you get stung and you're not near the beach office, follow this advice:
- treat a jellyfish sting by thoroughly rinsing the area with seawater (never fresh water) to deactivate stingers and gently scrape off any tentacles with a bank card or tweezers
- soak the sting in very warm water for 20 to 30 minutes to break down the venom
Beach users - please remain vigilant and help keep yourselves, your families and pets safe by giving any jellyfish a wide berth.
If you spot a jellyfish on the beach, please leave it undisturbed and alert others nearby. Please inform our foreshore officers, who can also relocate them into the sea.
Enjoy the coast safely and remember - look, don't touch!