Weever fish warning to beachgoers

29 July 2011 Last updated at 12:18 GMT Weever fish lie hidden in the sand Beachgoers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are being warned about a rise in the number of people being stung by the venomous weever fish.

RNLI lifeguards said three people were stung in Tenby earlier this week and another was injured in Newgale, near Haverfordwest.

There have also been a rise in reports of weever fish on beaches at Llangrannog and New Quay in Ceredigion.

The fish have spines laced with venom and hide in the sand in shallow water.

The RNLI said the increase in injuries coincided with a rise in temperatures.

Phil Davies, RNLI lifeguard manager, said: "It's great to see people enjoying the Welsh beaches in this warm weather, but we would like to ask the public to be careful when walking in shallow water.

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Our advice to avoid being stung is to always wear some kind of footwear when walking in shallow water”

End Quote Phil Davies RNLI lifeguard manager "A weever fish sting can be particularly painful and they are very hard to spot since they're buried in the sand.

"Our advice to avoid being stung is to always wear some kind of footwear when walking in shallow water, whether it is a flip-flop or a jelly shoe."

People who are stung are advised to approach the RNLI's lifeguards, who are trained first aiders.

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Reservoir's algae level warning

28 July 2011 Last updated at 12:47 GMT A build up of algae has occurred at Llysyfran reservoir in Pembrokeshire Levels of a potentially toxic blue-green algae found in a reservoir near Haverfordwest have prompted a safety warning from officials.

Pembrokeshire Council and Public Health Wales have asked Llysyfran reservoir owners, Welsh Water, to temporarily restrict activities such as swimming.

The council said the Environment Agency had carried out tests and would continue to monitor the situation.

The build up of algae is a natural occurrence during warm conditions.

The council said the blue-green algae produced toxins which could cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headaches if swallowed.

Continue reading the main story Do not swim in the waterDo not swallow the waterAvoid contact with the algaeDo not eat fish caught in the reservoirDo not allow pets or livestock to come into contact with the waterObserve and abide by notices positioned around the reservoir Occasionally it can cause more serious illness such as liver and brain damage.

The council said children were at greater risk than adults of developing problems.

An outbreak of blue-green algae at Aberffraw on Anglesey was confirmed by Environment Agency Wales in July last year.

Powys council spent more than ?400,000 restoring Llandrindod Wells lake after the build up of blue-green algae killed hundreds of fish in the summer of 2006.

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