Visiting any Sydney beach is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but there’s one more thing to be cautious about: bluebottle jellyfish stings.
Earlier, authorities warned the public after thousands of bluebottle jellyfish have been spotted on Sydney’s beaches, including Maroubra and Bronte.
While they don’t kill, they do sting and the sting really hurts. According to ClimateWatch, a bluebottle can deliver a painful sting if touched – either in the water or when washed up on the beach. It is advisable never to touch one with bare skin or enter the water if they are present.
Do note that most bluebottles hang out right at the shore. But there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from their painful sting, and here are they:
Wear protective clothing
One of the simplest things you can do is wear a protective suit. There are different kinds of protective suits, but for jellyfish sting protection, the most recommended type is a stinger suit.
A stinger suit is a full-body suit especially designed to protect you from stingers, such as bluebottles and Irukandji. They are made using nylon or spandex.
Compared to lycra suits, they are slightly thicker and usually come with socks, mittens and hoods for maximum protection. Another plus- a stinger suit can keep your skin safe from intense sunlight.
Be informed about current water conditions
It helps to get information from the local health department and lifeguards about the current conditions of Bronte Beach. In Australia, bluebottles are more common on exposed ocean beaches after strong onshore north easterly winds wash them ashore and are rarely found in sheltered waters.
Avoid heading to the beach during jellyfish season
Bluebottles are more common during summer months on the eastern coast of Australia. It helps to be aware of the different types and sizes of jellyfish. As the name suggests, bluebottles are pear-shaped, like a bottle and have a translucent blue colour. They have a wrinkled top which might be tinged with green or pink. In terms of size, the float is 2 to 15 cm long, and its tentacles can be up to 10 metres long.
You can also download The Jellyfish App to identify and learn about the different species of jellyfish. Each entry contains common and scientific names, a photo, description, seasonality, locality, toxicity, sting treatment, and other notes.
What to Do If Stung by Bluebottle Jellyfish?
The common signs of jellyfish stings include burning, prickling, stinging pain. If stung by a jellyfish, you will see a “print” of the tentacles’ contact with your skin that looks red, brown or purplish. Swelling is also a common symptom of jellyfish sting.
The best treatment for bluebottle jellyfish sting is immersing the affected area in hot water at a temperature you can comfortably tolerate.
“Studies have shown that 40 degrees Celsius will produce relief after 10 minutes. The heat is important as it kills the protein in the venom,” The Australian Museum noted.
Contrary to myth, you shouldn’t pee on a jellyfish sting. It may even worsen the sting or could cause the stinging cells to release even more venom. Washing off the tentacles with seawater is a better option rather than peeing on the stung area.
If symptoms persist, it’s recommended to call triple zero to get the right emergency service to help you.
Originally published as “Visiting Bronte Beach? Here’s How To Stay Safe From Bluebottle Jellyfish Stings”