27/06/2026
Something to be aware of for those of you who may be visiting the beaches in the coming days
Thinking of heading to a sandy beach over the summer?
WATCH OUT FOR WEEVER FISH
The weever fish is found in all parts of the Irish coast but only in sandy areas, usually in warm shallow waters 1-2 hours before and after a low tide. Unlike most fish, they do not have a swim bladder, meaning that they sink to the bottom as soon as they stop swimming. They are difficult to see because they spend most of their time buried under the sand. The venom is located in sharp, needle-like spines on the small fin running along the top of their back and on each of their gill covers.
A case of a 10 year old boy was reported to the NPIC last summer after he stood on a weever fish at a beach. His foot was submersed in hot water by a lifeguard. He developed cellulitis of the affected foot a few days later. The foot was x-rayed to check for any embedded spine fragments. He was treated in hospital with IV antibiotics and made a full recovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU STEP ON A WEEVER FISH
🥲Standing on a weever fish results in immediate intense, burning pain.
🥲The pain is most intense in the first 2 hours and can result in swelling, numbness and warmth.
WHAT TO DO
✅Seek assistance from a lifeguard if available.
✅Submerge the affected limb in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated for up to 90 minutes or until pain in easing.
✅As the sting can cause numbness, immerse the unaffected limb too, as this may prevent inadvertent scalding.
✅Further submersion can be initiated up to 2 hours after the sting if pain returns.
✅Cold applications may WORSEN the discomfort.
✅Give paracetamol to relieve residual pain taking care not to cause thermal burns due to the effect of the paracetamol masking the temperature of the water.
✅The puncture site should be examined carefully to look for and remove any embedded spines or spine fragments. Sometimes the spines might need to be removed surgically and an x-ray may be helpful in finding embedded material.
✅Seek medical advice from a doctor, as a tetanus and/or antibiotics may be required.
TO REDUCE THE RISK
✅Avoid swimming in the sea during the 2 hours before and after low tide.
✅Wear rubber-soled water shoes or sandals
National Poisons Information Centre 01 809 2566
