Safety At The Sea
Forget razor fish. The lesser weever is the fish to look out for on British beaches.
The fish, which has venomous spines on its gills and dorsal fin, is common in many areas of the UK, including
the Cardigan Bay area of Wales.
It lies virtually buried in the sand with just its mouth and fin exposed, a trap for hapless fishermen and
beachgoers wading around in the shallows.
If you stand on a weever fish, you are likely to feel a sharp prick-like sensation which gets worse and spreads
along your leg, often causing swelling.
Allergy
Many people have an allergic reaction to the fish and may start to sweat, develop a rapid pulse and feel
nauseous as the poison gets further into the body.
Some people collapse as a result. Others can develop chest pain, although the sting is not fatal.
People who have been stung should take painkillers and if they develop an allergic reaction to the sting, a
course of antihistamines is recommended.
Other common poisonous fish on Britain's beaches include jelly fish and the stingray, which, if disturbed, can
use its tail to venomous effect.
Sea currents
But fish are the least of your worries on the beach. The force of the sea is much more dangerous than anything
swimming about inside it.
Over the weekend, two people nearly drowned in the Bournemouth area after getting out of their depth
swimming.
One was just 16 years old. They are both now in stable condition in hospital.
"We were much more hit by that than sunburn cases where the message seems to be getting home," said a
spokesman for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
In other areas, the situation was less dramatic with a handful of sunburn and sprained ankles reported in other
sunspots, including Cornwall, Blackpool and Brighton.
Coastguards are warning the public not to swim if there is a red flag flying on a beach and to find out about
local tides and currents.
Safe swimming
The Coastguard Agency says people should not swim if they feel unwell, for at least an hour after a meal, if
they have been drinking alcohol or if they are cold and tired.
They also warn against swimming alone, swimming too far out to sea and snorkeling if you have breathing
problems.
And you should avoid cliff edges, even on gentle slopes, when they have been dampened by sea spray.
One organization that aims to help swimmers who get into trouble is the UK's answer to Baywatch, the Surf
Lifesaving Association of Great Britain.
Founded in 1955 and based on an idea originated in Australia, it now has 81 branches and has made 17,500
rescues.
The association has three types of member: Nippers (aged eight to 12), Junior (aged 12 to 16) and Seniors and
Masters.
Its motto is 'Vigilance and Service'. All members are surfers trained in lifesaving skills.
They paddle out across the waves to save struggling swimmers. Most of their money comes from fundraising
events, but local councils also provide some funding.
Another danger on the beach is pollution. A recent survey of UK beaches showed more than 10% are failing to
meet minimum standards for clean water.
The Marine Conservation Society said raw sewage was still being pumped into the sea in some areas and was
finding its way onto beaches.
But the water companies say the society's standards are too tough and that 90% of British beaches pass
European standards.
1. Which of these is NOT true of the lesser weever?
Its sting is not lethal.
It buries itself deep in the sand.
Simple medicines are usually sufficient to deal with the effects of a sting.
2. Which of these is the more serious danger on a British beach?
Sharks
Sunburn
Deep water
3. Which of these people should be safe swimming?
A person who has just eaten.
A person who has celebrated with non-alcoholic beer.
A person who feels hot and dizzy.
4. Why does the Coastguard Agency suggest people keep away from cliffs?
The water is deep there.
There is more pollution on a cliff.
People could fall off them.
5. What sentence best summarises the pollution situation on UK beaches?
Most beaches are not clean enough for European standards.
There are some very dirty beaches, but most are fine.
The water companies are arguing about the best way to improve UK beaches.
