Dangerous jellyfish return to Worthing shores
IT looks like jellyfish have returned to the shores of Worthing after a woman was bitten twice at Goring Gap.
Two years after more than 10 dangerous Portuguese Man o' War jellyfish washed up on the Worthing coast, Sarah Marshadlam said she was stung by one of the mysterious creatures.
It happened while she was swimming near to the shore at Goring Gap at around 6 or 7pm on Sunday, June 27, when the tide was low.
Sarah, of Whylands Avenue, Salvington, said: "I was with my husband and my dad and we had one of those inflatable boats, and we were just swimming near to the shore.
"It was quite rocky, and there was a lot of seaweed, so when I first felt a sting I thought I had grazed myself on a rock. But then I felt it again, and I knew it was a jellyfish."
Tentacle imprint
The 24-year-old was bitten on her lower leg and on the back of one of her thighs. She said the tentacles left imprints on her legs and the bites are still very sore now, days later.
She said: "It was really horrible when I realised what had happened. I didn't see the jellyfish, but I know that's what it was.
"It really stung and one of the stings swelled up to the size of an egg.
"It is scary to think they are in the water. I didn't know you could get them in the UK – I thought they were in the Mediterranean.
"I think there should be warning posters up to let people know there's a risk, because I had no idea."
Council warning
Cathy Ridge, Worthing Borough Council spokeswoman, said jellyfish could sometimes be found in the waters close to Worthing when the weather was warm.
She said: "We would advise people to be aware and to look around them when they're in the water, but if they do get stung to contact the beach office straight away.
"That way, one of the officers can head straight out to that location to find out what type of jellyfish is there.
"We will be putting information out if it continues and we get more reports of people being stung."
Anyone who sees jellyfish in the water, or who gets stung, should call Worthing beach office on 01903 238977.
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Weather for Worthing
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light showers
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