The region is currently experiencing an influx of jellyfish stings. Individuals have taken to Facebook to explain their experiences with jellyfish and the importance of remaining protected if choosing to swim in stinger season.
Box Jellyfish, considered to be the deadliest jellyfish in the world are the most common sting being reported, with 3 incidents occurring in the last 2 weeks.
The Council has issued a warning on Facebook, reminding people to wear a stinger suit while swimming during stinger season.
The post also mentions that vinegar stations are inspected three times a week. For safer swimming, the Council provides free access to regional aquatic facilities year-round, including the Airlie Beach Lagoon, Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville Swimming Pools & Water Parks.
The Box Jellyfish stings on the 14-year-old girl's leg. Photo Sourced: Rebecca Scott Facebook.
Box Jellyfish
The Whitsunday region has experienced a significant rise in box jellyfish stings over the past week, with three individuals sharing their alarming experiences on Facebook.
While the summer months are often dubbed "stinger season" and locals are advised to avoid swimming without protective stinger suits, many, including tourists who may not be fully aware of the dangers, continue to take their chances.
Box jellyfish are particularly dangerous, with tentacles covered in nematocysts, tiny venomous darts that can deliver a fatal sting in under five minutes. The venom from these jellyfish is considered one of the deadliest in the world, and since records began in 1883 there have been 70 fatal stings in Australia.
The first incident to happen in the Whitsundays was reported by Rebecca Scott, a mother who cautioned the community after her 14-year-old daughter was stung by a box jellyfish while walking in the shallows at New Beach in Airlie.
Despite being in the water for less than a minute and only going up to her knees, the sting was severe, underscoring the immediate danger that Box Jellyfish pose, even in seemingly safe conditions.
Rebecca explained how grateful she was that the vinegar stations were filled:
“Thank God the vinegar stations were filled up as quite often these are empty...the quick actions of her friends getting the vinegar on straight away and calling an ambulance literally saved her life.”
Nadine Little reported the second incident on the Facebook group, ‘The Whitsundays Noticeboard.’ Nadine explained how only days after the first incident with the 14-year-old daughter, another man was stung by a box jellyfish on Airlie Foreshore near where the markets take place.
Again, the man was reportedly only walking in the water, not attempting to swim as he was in shorts and a t-shirt. Only two minutes later the man was stung. Nadine sent her son across to Airlie Beach Hotel to find some vinegar as there was none at that end of the beach, and fortunately the ambulance arrived a short time later.
Nadine warned individuals to be careful when near the sea:
“Please be careful and don't even walk along or put your feet in.”
Similarly, just on Tuesday this week another woman was stung by a jellyfish and had to be transported to hospital. The increase in incidents just showcases the importance of staying protected if swimming.
Children are at greater risk of a severe, life-threatening reaction because of their smaller body mass; therefore, it is important to ensure your young ones are safe and protected during stinger season.
What was evident in all cases is that vinegar plays a crucial role in alleviating the pain of stings. As such, it's important to ensure vinegar is easily accessible at popular or tourist beaches. Alternatively, if you plan to visit the sea, bringing your own supply is wise.
Council have also issued a warning on Facebook and remind people to wear a stinger suit while swimming during stinger season.
The post states that vinegar stations are checked three times a week. For safer swimming, Council offers free access to regional aquatic facilities: Airlie Beach Lagoon, Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville Swimming Pools & Water Parks year-round.
Fact Box (Jellyfish):
Scientific Name: Cubozoa
Type: Invertebrates
Diet: Carnivore
Group Name: Fluther, smack
Average Life Span In The Wild: Up to 1 years
Size: 10 feet long; 10 inches across (size relative to a 6ft man)
Weight: Up to 4.4 pounds
VENOM: Seen to be most deadly in the world containing toxins that attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells.
IMMEDIATE REMEDIES: Add vinegar to the skin for 30 seconds.
Stinger signs around Airlie
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