Viral video reveals why Brits refuse to go barefoot at beach

A viral video has revealed why some Brits refuse to ever go barefoot at the beach, while others have claimed the “tiny” reason has “unlocked” a new fear.

The venomous weever fish found buried in the shallows at beaches in the UK. Picture: TikTok / @louis2023b

Brits like to say Australia is full of scary animals, but did you know over there, there are tiny fish with venomous spines that hide in the sand?

Some people say they won’t go on the beach without shoes because of them.

When stepped on by barefoot beachgoers the pain from a weever fish can be severe – described as similar to a bee or wasp sting – with other symptoms including nausea or vomiting, shaking, headaches, and abdominal cramps.

Lifeguards in some coastal areas have reported treating hundreds weever fish stings each summer, which involves placing the affected area in a bowl of hot water.

A TikTok showing a man trying to rescue one of the fish and getting a shock as it decided it bury itself in the sand instead of swim away has racked up millions of views this northern summer.

The venomous weever fish found buried in the shallows at beaches in the UK. Picture: TikTok / @louis2023b

“How the hell did you get out here,” the man in the video says picking up a tiny fish flopping on the sand at a beach in Norfolk.

A close up shot as he carried the fish to the water showed a row of tiny spikes along its spine and stomach.

“It looks poisonous. Watch me get a flipping rash tomorrow,” he said.

He encouraged the fish to “swim” and “go” as he threw it back in the water but it then buried itself under the sand in the shallows.

In disbelief at what he had just seen, the man flicked the fish back out of the sand. He watched as it buried itself again.

@louis2023b

Definitely is a poisonous fish its called a weever, so weird. Norfolk Beach

♬ original sound - Louis2023

Many Brits took to the comments to share their horror experiences stepping on the sneaky creatures, while others who had no idea they existed claimed a new fear had been “unlocked”.

“The trauma of standing on one of those as a kid still affects me now I’m 33,” said one woman.

“I’ve had 2 children with no pain relief, I’d legit go for a 3rd before experiencing the pain of standing on one of these again!” added a mum.

“They bury in the sand and wait for you to step on it to give you the worst sting you’ve ever had … my daughter knows from experience,” said another.

A fourth wrote: “One of the worst pains I’ve experienced to date.”

Lifeguards in some coastal areas in the UK say they treat hundreds of stings a season. Picture: RNLI Lifeguards South East Cornwall

Some claimed the weever fish was the reason they refused to go barefoot at the beach.

“They hurt like heck! I stepped on one when I was about 6 [or] 7, worst pain I ever experienced! Been scared ever since, always wear shoes now lol” explained one.

“Stepped on one as a kid. Never new pain like it. Only worn jelly shoes after than. Now won’t let my son in sea with bare feet,” agreed another.

“Yep. Stepped on one in Cornwall. Always wear beach shoes now. Hurt like crazy,” wrote a third.

Placing the affected area in hot water is said to destroy the protein-based venom.

Weever fish can also be found on the shores of other European countries including Portugal, Spain, France and Morocco.