A bloom of jellyfish has been spotted in the waters of a popular watersports venue... but people are assured the animals can't sting.

Visitors and staff at Hove Lagoon were surprised to see a number of small jellyfish in the water this week, which have entered through a pipe from the sea.

Centre manager for Lagoon Watersports Jack Shead said it was "the first time" the tentacled invertebrates have been in the lagoon.

He said: "When we first spotted them, most were relatively small and since they don't sting we just thought it was a nice addition to the lagoon and its wildlife."

The lagoon is already home to crabs, shrimp and sometimes small fish.

During high tide, water from the nearby sea is pumped into the lagoon through a pipe to keep the man-made lake topped up.

Rachael Bush captured this amazing video of the moon jellyfish in the lagoon yesterday.

Jack added: "My best guess is that a bloom of jellyfish were coming past and coincidentally they’ve come into the lagoon.

"And with it being a sheltered environment it’s a safe haven for them."

He said people walking near the lagoon have taken an interest in the moon jellyfish, along with those looking to use the lagoon for watersports such as water skiing.

"They initially want to know if they sting, and once they realise they don’t they are cool," he said.

Lagoon Watersports has contacted the seafront office for advice.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached for comment.