Swarms of powerful jellyfish are descending on the beaches of the British Isles as they remain hit by a heatwave.
While sea creatures are no strangers to UK waters, sightings of the infamous lion's mane species have soared as our seas begin to warm.
The lion's mane jellyfish can grow larger than a blue whale and has the most severe sting of any jellyfish species found in British waters, often leaving its victims hospitalized.
A lion's mane jellyfish seen by Ann Dunne in Ireland as swarms of powerful jellyfish descend on the beaches of the British Isles.
This barrel jellyfish was discovered by Mark Turner on Rhossili Beach in Swansea, South Wales.
A lion's mane jellyfish seen by Lindsey Becket in Kames Bay on the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland
And venomous creatures have become more common in recent years, as global warming makes our ocean environment a more attractive place for them.
Dr Peter Richardson, head of ocean recovery at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “Our national study suggests significant recent increases in the numbers of some jellyfish species in UK seas, most notably the barrel jellyfish.”
A lion's mane jellyfish seen by Charlie Farrell in Anglesey, Wales
'The million dollar question is why is this happening? At the moment we just don't know.'
Sightings of lion's mane in Blackpool, Anglesey and Galway follow the mass stranding of hundreds of barrel jellyfish in Weymouth, Dorset, last week. The creatures can grow up to 90 cm (35 in) wide and weigh up to 25 kg (55 lb).
With 1.8 m (6 ft) tentacles dangling beneath them, they are capable of producing a powerful stinger even after being swept out to sea.
Several of the gelatinous creatures washed up on beaches along the west Lancashire coast last month, including Blackpool, while large numbers were spotted in Hythe, Kent, over the weekend and some swimmers were even stung.
Three were hospitalized after being stung by lion's manes in Galway, Ireland, during hot weather last month. One woman was stung in the face, prompting the lifeguard on duty to raise the red flag warning people not to enter the water.
Ten of the creatures were seen floating in coastal waters by a member of a triathlon group during a 4 kilometer (2.5 mile) swim in Galway Bay.
Jellyfish are most commonly found in warm, shallow waters near beaches. Most species found in the UK can only cause a mild sting.
However, if you see them gathered in large groups known as blooms, it is recommended to get out of the water as soon as possible.
If you are stung, get out of the water and carefully remove the stingers with tweezers before covering the affected area with vinegar or soaking in hot water.