Residents are advised to always wear stinger suits when swimming in the ocean from now until May as jelly fish, that predominantly favour warmer temperatures, become prevalent in our local waterways at this time of year.
Julie Wright, Director of Community Services for Whitsunday Regional Council said that each year they wait for James Cook University to “give the nod” before the region’s two stinger nets are brought out and placed at their permanent locations.
One stinger net is positioned at Cannonvale Beach and the other is placed at New Beach.
There is also a swimming enclosure, which is a permanent structure, located at Dingo Beach.
Irukandji, box jellyfish, bluebottles, and other dangerous species can be found throughout the Whitsundays and, if they come into contact with people, they can cause severe reactions.
Serious stings can cause cardiac arrest and intense pain, which makes them especially dangerous for young children, babies and the elderly.
Ms Wright said that while stinger nets prevent larger jelly fish from entering the area, the smaller Irukandji variety are the size of a thumbnail and can easily pass through.
“Stinger nets will not keep out all the problems in the ocean,” she said.
“That’s why we suggest and strongly urge stinger suits to be worn at all times.”
Swimmers are also encouraged to stay away from the perimeter of the nets as sometimes botanicals from the box jellyfish can be caught up in the net and still sting if someone brushes up against them.
Dog owners are also advised to keep their dogs from swimming at this time of year.
How to treat a jellyfish sting:
• Rinse the area with vinegar, for at least 30 seconds
• Remove tentacles from the skin with tweezers
• Once the tentacles are removed, soak the area in hot but not scalding water for 20 to 45 minutes
• If hot water is not available, apply a cold pack to help the pain
The stinger net at Cannonvale Beach is now in place and open to the public
