BEACHGOERS are being warned of the presence of poisonous fish on the Rhyl shoreline.

The Rhyl Coastguard was tasked to assist RNLI Lifeguards North Wales with a medical evacuation of a woman that had stood on a weever fish on Rhyl Beach about three quarters of a mile from the Coastguard station on Wednesday, August 28.

Weever fish are small fish that are found buried in the sand in shallow water with its poisonous dorsal fin sticking out which can cause excruciating pain, swelling, numbness and reddening for victims.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said; "The casualty was complaining of numbness to her foot and was suffering from shock. They were initially removed by stretcher from the sand bank that was quickly getting cut off by the flooding tide and transferred to our vehicle for transport back to the promenade.

"First aid treatment was provided and the casualty was checked over by a paramedic. No hospital treatment required and the casualty was discharged at scene."

Rhyl Journal:

A sting from the weever fish is not considered fatal. Picture: Facebook/ Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team

To avoid becoming a victim of this small fish, visitors to the beach are advised to wear footwear and fisherman urged to be mindful of their catch to prevent being stung in the hand.

Although the pain is described as being excruciating it is not considered fatal, as there has only been one recorded fatality following a weever fish sting which in 1927 following multiple stings.

Pain lasts for a few hours, however numbness can remain until the following day and pain and irritation for a week or so.

Due to the type of protein based venom, the only form of treatment is hot water as hot as it can be tolerated without scalding which is applied to the affected area such as a foot via a bowl of hot water.