New research has suggested today (July 25th) that British beaches are currently experiencing a large influx of jellyfish.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported the arrival of a number of different varieties of the creatures, some of which are capable of stinging.
With large numbers of Britons holidaying at UK seaside resorts rather than going abroad this summer, the news reinforces the need for travel insurance, particularly for those who are planning to swim in the sea.
MCS biodiversity programme manager Peter Richardson said: "This year's jellyfish season started in April in the Irish Sea, when barrel jellyfish were reported off the Welsh coast.
"In May we started to receive reports of big blooms of the harmless moon jellyfish from around the UK, and then through June and July, large numbers of the beautiful blue and compass jellyfish also started to wash up on our beaches."
Mr Richardson warned that the stinging Lion's Mane jellyfish has been spotted in the Irish Sea and on the east coast of Scotland.
In addition, the equally dangerous Portuguese Man of War variety has been seen near Land's End in Cornwall, and Mauve Stingers are expected to return in large numbers as they did last year.
