Beachgoers have been warned to be cautious following an increase in weever incidents on the Lincolnshire coast.
National Coastwatch Mablethorpe said five people had been stung in the last few days.
Spokesman Malcolm Drewery said: “If you step on it, it is very, very painful.”
The charity recommended wearing shoes in the water and on the beach to prevent further incidents.
Weevers are common in British waters, particularly during the summer months.
The poisonous species usually hide in the sand and are therefore difficult to detect.
“They are not very easy to spot as they usually bury themselves beneath the sand surface and in shallow water at low tide,” Mr Drewery said.
Weevers are about 7 inches long and have spines on their dorsal fins that can cause a painful sting if stepped on.
Mr Drewery said the pain was like a wasp or bee sting, but slightly worse.
“The best advice we can give is to wear shoes in the water – a pair of sneakers or flip-flops – to avoid being bitten,” he added.
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