BEACHGOERS are being urged to take extra care following an increase in reports of people being stung by jellyfish.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team says more people than usual had been stung by jellyfish on Thursday and Friday. 

Whilst most were minor stings, some have resulted in people having to attend the emergency department at Arrowe Park Hospital. 

No specific location for all the occurrences has been highlighted, however there have been some reports of jellyfish stings at New Brighton beach. 

Michael Buratti, station officer for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, said: ”If you are going to the beach, we would advise you to be careful if entering the water and if you see a jellyfish, try and avoid coming into contact with it.

"If you have any concerns about jellyfish, you can ask a Lifeguard for advice.”

If you do get stung by a jellyfish, rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water) and remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 

Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes, use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it, and take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Don't use vinegar or urine on the sting, apply ice or a cold pack, touch any spines with your bare hands, cover or close the wound.

Go to a minor injuries unit if you have severe pain that is not going away, if you have been stung on your face or genitals or if you have been stung by a stingray.

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have been stung and have difficulty breathing, chest pain, fits or seizures, severe swelling around the affected area, severe bleeding, vomiting, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.