While we often post about dipping in Darwin beaches during the dry season, we are also vigilant about safe swimming.
Tomorrow marks the official start to stinger season with venomous box jellyfish more likely to be in the water from now up until the end of May next year.
With roughly 40 presentations annually to health facilities across the Top End region from jellyfish stings, the Royal Darwin Hospital Professor of Medicine, Bart Currie said Territorians and visitors must be highly vigilant around coastal waters in the coming months, as box jellyfish stings cause excruciating pain and can be fatal.
“The major box jellyfish can be almost invisible in the water. It has 40 or more tentacles – each of which are covered in millions of stinging cells– so the best advice is to stay out of the sea,” he said.
“It’s important to remain aware even at the water’s edge and in tidal creeks, as these box jellyfish prefer calm conditions. People launching boats or other watercraft should take extra care.
“Most of the severe and fatal stings in the NT have occurred as soon as a person entered the water, or soon afterwards in the shallows. If you have to get in the water, ensure you cover up with a stinger suit or a shirt and long trousers.”
Tragically there have been 14 deaths from box jellyfish stings across the Top End coastline since 1975 – all of whom were children, Professor Currie said.
Treatment for jellyfish stings
Immediate first aid for a jellyfish sting is important and the victim may need CPR.
If a jellyfish sting occurs:
- Remove the person from the water
- Call for help – call Triple Zero (000)
- Assess the person and start CPR if needed
- Pour vinegar on the area of the sting to stop further discharge from the stinging cells – do not wash with fresh water
- If vinegar is not available, pick off any remaining tentacles – the skin on the finger pads and palm is thicker so any stinging will usually be minor
- Seek medical help and transport to hospital immediately.
Apply ice or hot packs to the skin to provide pain relief for less severe stings.
For more information, visit: https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/emergencies-injuries-and-accidents/bites-and-stings/jellyfish
