Jobson's Cove was closed to swimmers at the weekend due to the sighting of an "unidentified amphibious creature" that resembles a sea snake.

Employees of the Department of Parks and Conservation Services are monitoring the South Shore, Warwick, beach to try and capture the species.

Said a spokesman: "The Department apologises for the inconvenience in this matter but until the species has been identified it was felt that closing the beach was in the interests of public safety. The cooperation of the general public is appreciated at this time."

The majority of sea snakes are highly venomous however their bite does not usually result in human fatalities.

The public will be informed today when the beach will re-open.