'Everywhere right now': deadly beach danger on the rise
- Replies 0
As summer hits, Australians flock to the beach for fun and sun, but a growing threat is raising alarm.
With reports of a rising danger along our coastlines, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and prepared. What’s really happening on our shores?
As stinger season hit full swing, swimmers in Queensland and New South Wales were cautioned about the increased risks of dangerous jellyfish stings.
Two young swimmers were left with painful marks after encountering potentially life-threatening stingers this week.
A young girl was severely stung on her arms and stomach while playing in the water near a popular children's playground at Noosa Heads.
Her mum warned that stingers were ‘everywhere right now’. Meanwhile, bluebottles were spotted at multiple beaches across New South Wales, including Bronte and Maroubra.
Farther north, a 14-year-old girl was stung by a box jellyfish at New Beach in the Whitsundays.
Paramedics rushed to the scene after quick action from her friends, who poured vinegar on the sting, possibly saving her life.
‘She was only in the water up to her knees for under one minute when she was stung,’ her mum shared online.
‘Calling an ambulance literally saved her life... please be so careful around our beautiful beaches.’
Jellyfish are found in Australian waters year-round, but the threat of stingers is highest between November and May.
This period, marking the summer and early fall months is considered stinger season.
Box jellyfish, in particular, are dangerous due to their venomous tentacles, which can kill in under five minutes.
These jellyfish are commonly found in northern Australia, where authorities at Forrest Beach in Queensland recently issued a warning after six box jellyfish were netted in a single day.
‘The box jellyfish were caught in shallow water,’ lifeguards warned. They also urged swimmers to ‘swim inside the stinger net at all times.’
If stung by a box jellyfish, quick action is critical. Swimmers are advised to keep calm and avoid rubbing the affected area.
Emergency services should also be contacted immediately, and CPR may be necessary.
Flood the sting with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, and carefully remove any tentacles with tweezers or a stick—do not touch the stingers with bare hands.
If possible, seek medical assistance to safely remove the tentacles.
Box jellyfish are one of the most dangerous marine creatures in Australian waters. They are responsible for over 70 fatalities.
This includes the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy from Queensland in 2022.
Have you or someone you know ever had a close call with a jellyfish? Share your experiences in the comments below.
With reports of a rising danger along our coastlines, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and prepared. What’s really happening on our shores?
As stinger season hit full swing, swimmers in Queensland and New South Wales were cautioned about the increased risks of dangerous jellyfish stings.
Two young swimmers were left with painful marks after encountering potentially life-threatening stingers this week.
A young girl was severely stung on her arms and stomach while playing in the water near a popular children's playground at Noosa Heads.
Her mum warned that stingers were ‘everywhere right now’. Meanwhile, bluebottles were spotted at multiple beaches across New South Wales, including Bronte and Maroubra.
Farther north, a 14-year-old girl was stung by a box jellyfish at New Beach in the Whitsundays.
Paramedics rushed to the scene after quick action from her friends, who poured vinegar on the sting, possibly saving her life.
‘She was only in the water up to her knees for under one minute when she was stung,’ her mum shared online.
‘Calling an ambulance literally saved her life... please be so careful around our beautiful beaches.’
Jellyfish are found in Australian waters year-round, but the threat of stingers is highest between November and May.
This period, marking the summer and early fall months is considered stinger season.
Box jellyfish, in particular, are dangerous due to their venomous tentacles, which can kill in under five minutes.
These jellyfish are commonly found in northern Australia, where authorities at Forrest Beach in Queensland recently issued a warning after six box jellyfish were netted in a single day.
‘The box jellyfish were caught in shallow water,’ lifeguards warned. They also urged swimmers to ‘swim inside the stinger net at all times.’
If stung by a box jellyfish, quick action is critical. Swimmers are advised to keep calm and avoid rubbing the affected area.
Emergency services should also be contacted immediately, and CPR may be necessary.
Flood the sting with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, and carefully remove any tentacles with tweezers or a stick—do not touch the stingers with bare hands.
If possible, seek medical assistance to safely remove the tentacles.
Box jellyfish are one of the most dangerous marine creatures in Australian waters. They are responsible for over 70 fatalities.
This includes the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy from Queensland in 2022.
Have you or someone you know ever had a close call with a jellyfish? Share your experiences in the comments below.
