County Clare’s Water Safety Development Officer confirmed sightings of the deadly species in recent weeks.
An urgent warning has been issued for beachgoers as one deadly jellyfish returns to Irish beaches.
There have been a number of sightings of a Portuguese man o’war by residents of the west, with the deadly creature being spotted along the coastline.
County Clare’s Water Safety Development Officer, Clare McGrath, has warned that people must be vigilant and familiarise themselves with this particular jellyfish.
Deadly jellyfish on Irish beaches – Portuguese man o’war
The venomous Portuguese man o’war jellyfish has been spotted on County Clare beaches such as Fanore and Lahinch.
These popular beaches see thousands of people surfing and taking surf lessons as well as many families with young children.
County Clare’s Clare’s Water Safety Development Officer, Clare McGrath, has confirmed that the deadly species has been reported in recent weeks.
In particular, there have been many sightings at Clare’s Fanore beach, which sees a lot of tidal activity due to its position on the north Clare coast.
The Portuguese man o’war – a sting that could be fatal
The Portuguese man o’war has venomous tentacles that can measure up to 20 m (66 ft) long. Their sting is powerful enough to kill fish and has occasionally killed humans before.
Clare McGrath has said that lifeguards on the county’s beaches will be on the lookout for the deadly creature.
She urges people to familiarise themselves with the creature and to be vigilant about touching them. She also urges that if you see one, report it to a lifeguard immediately.
Keep your distance – report any sightings
McGrath worries about children and pets on beaches in particular, “who are very curious and who are walking on the beach.”
She continued, “These siphonophores are quite distinctive and have this bluish balloon-like float on their bodies. Children may be attracted to them and might poke them.
“And animals may also be inclined to approach them. Swimmers will see them instantly with their blue balloon in the water and can stay away from them.”
In recent months, there have been several sightings as one deadly jellyfish returns to Irish beaches all over the country.
People have been posting photos on social media of sightings at Drenach Pier near Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, as well as a sighting last month on Silverstrand beach in Galway.
