Jellyfish Swarm Encounters Surfers in North Devon

On a hot day, two friends went surfing at a local beach in North Devon and discovered the water was teeming with jellyfish. As they carried their surfboards, a coral-coloured one and a blue one, across the sand dunes, they entered the cool water and found themselves surrounded by jellyfish of various shapes and sizes, described as purple-y and brown.

Further identification revealed the presence of moon jellyfish, which are recognizable by their dome shape and translucent bodies with central purple circles. These moon jellyfish are considered harmless and are frequently found washed ashore on UK beaches. The surfers also noted the presence of compass jellyfish, which they later learned should be avoided.

The encounter highlights the abundance of marine life present in coastal waters, even during recreational activities. The article, a 'Young Country Diary' entry by Jess, details a personal experience of observing and interacting with marine fauna during a surfing session.