Box jellyfish and stingers shut Mackay's Harbour Beach

BOX jellyfish are keeping swimmers out of the water at Harbour Beach.

BOX jellyfish are keeping swimmers out of the water at Harbour Beach.

But a boy is recovering after being stung while swimming outside the red flags.

The beach was closed for 24 hours on Friday when lifeguards netted two small box jellyfish in a routine drag. It was closed again on Saturday afternoon after another box jellyfish was netted and again Sunday after the boy was stung, about 400m south of the flags.

Lifeguards have since been performing daily drags.

The boy was taken to Mackay Base Hospital after lifesavers treated his lower legs. He had been released by yesterday afternoon.

A Mackay Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said another person had been taken to the hospital with a suspected jellyfish sting on Sunday, but had also been discharged.

People should not swim when a red flag is up, Mackay lifeguard supervisor Hannah Ridland said.

Surf Lifesaving Mackay Club captain Tony Caris urged swimmers to be sensible and swim in an area where they could help.

Stinger suit prices

• BCF - Junior stingersuit $54.95
• Adult stinger suit $69.95
• Urban Wave - Kids stinger suit $45.99
• Adult stinger suit $65.99

Originally published as Box jellyfish and stingers shut Mackay's Harbour Beach