List of Australian Beaches Where You May Encounter Jellyfish

Posted by ecostinger on 14th Apr 2018

What is a Jellyfish?

It is an aquatic animal that is almost clear or transparent with an appearance similar to jelly. They are found in plenty along the coastlines, deep in the sea, or even in warm/cold waters. Their bodies contract and that’s a means of locomotion despite the fact that they do not exactly know where they are heading. They release a sting that is painful which is a means of protection against predators and also helps them attract and capture prey. Australia is one of the countries that have oceans that have these types of fish.

Here is a look at Australian beaches that have Jellyfish:

1. Alice Springs, Australia

Along the beaches of Northern Territory in Australia is found Box Jellyfish. It is venomous and among the most dangerous of them all. This jellyfish grows up to 10 inches in width and over 50 tentacles that extend up to 6.1 feet long. They can cause cardiac arrest to an individual before first aid with its painful sting. Death at times occurs when someone tries to remove the tentacles because removing it makes more poison to be released. Due to its prevalence it is not advisable to swim between October and May.

2. Broome Beach, Australia

Despite being among the best beach in Australia, Broom beach is infested with Irukandji (box jellyfish). This type of jellyfish is very dangerous and a single sting can be very fatal. Within the past few years, stings more than 158 have been reported.

3. Cape Tribulation Beach, Australia

This beach is found on the Northern Queensland in Australia. It is a resort in the coastline with amazing and beautiful beaches with white sand. On the other hand, the beaches harbor very dangerous jellyfish that attack when one is swimming. The sting is painful and that can cause serious injuries if not immediately attended to.

4.Airlie Beach

Jellyfish is a concern to the tourists visiting this beaches. There is no specific time they occur, rather they are present all times of the year. The box jellyfish are present in the waters and it is better to swim in the local made area for swimming to avoid injuries.

How to prevent or treat a jellyfish sting?

• The first and most important precaution is putting on a protective swimsuit. The suit protects almost every part of the body especially those that are prevalent in stings. Suits including neoprene are best and protect the body greatly.

• Wear protective swimsuit even when walking in the shallow waters with your feet as most stings occur during this time.

• Advice from a lifesaver is preferable and it’s best when swimming between flags (red and yellow flags)

• Carrying vinegar when one goes into the water is an added advantage because it is applied to the areas of sting to prevent further injuries.

• Do not rub the area with the sting but rather seek advice from the lifesaver.

Summary

Jellyfish, especially the box jellyfish and Irukandji are among the most dangerous and most venomous. With a single sting, they can cause death within a few minutes. Therefore, wearing a protective swimsuit is advisable at all times. Also keep in mind the signs erected along the beaches to prevent fatal injuries.