Swimmers are being urged to be careful as reports of severe jellyfish stings are starting to surface now stinger season is well and truly here. Two young swimmers were left with painful marks across their bodies after making contact with potentially life-threatening stingers in different parts of Queensland this week, and parents are warning others to be careful.
One young girl was badly stung on her arms and stomach while playing in the water near a popular children’s playground at Noosa Heads, with her mum saying the stingers are “everywhere right now”. Stingers, including bluebottles, have also been reported in multiple beaches across New South Wales including the famous Bronte and Maroubra beaches.
Further north at New Beach in the Whitsundays, a 14-year-old was stung by an infamous box jellyfish, and paramedics rushed to the scene. It is believed the quick action of her friends, who splashed vinegar on the stung area, saved her life.
“She was only in the water up to her knees for under one minute when she was stung,” her mum wrote online. “Calling an ambulance literally saved her life… please be so careful around our beautiful beaches.”
Lifesavers urge Aussies to stay vigilant during stinger season
Jellyfish are in Australian waters all year round, but the risk of encountering stingers is much higher over the summer and early fall, between November and May.
Box jellyfish stings are life-threatening due to the potent venom in their tentacles — capable of killing a person in under five minutes. They’re found in northern parts of the country, and authorities at Forrest Beach in Queensland recently issued a warning to swimmers after they netted six of the deadly stingers in one day.
“The box jellyfish were caught in shallow water,” lifesavers warned. “Swim inside the stinger net at all times.”
Box jellyfish stings can be life-threatening. Source: Facebook/Forrest Beach SLSC
What to do if you are stung by a box jellyfish?
If a swimmer is stung by a box jellyfish, time is of the essence. It is important to keep the patient calm and prevent them from rubbing the stung area.
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Call emergency services immediately — be prepared to give CPR if needed.
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Flood the stung area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds.
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Carefully remove the tentacles from the stung area with tweezers or a stick (do not touch it). Preferably remove the tentacles with the aid of a medical professional.
Box jellyfish are considered one of the most dangerous marine animals in Australian waters, and they’re responsible for more than 70 fatalities in the country, including the death of a 14-year-old Queensland boy in 2022, according to Queensland Health.
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