North Queenslanders get summer warning

Summer warning for North Queenslanders

Words: Caitlan Charles Producer: Veathika Jain

Near drowning, jellyfish stings and heat exhaustion - North Queenslanders have a lot to look out for this summer.

Summer and swimming go hand-in-hand but experts are warning North Queensland parents to keep an eagle eye on their kids in the water.

Townsville University Hospital director of paediatrics Dr Andrew White said as people looked to cool down in pools and beaches, children need constant supervision.

There's been a reduction in swimming lessons for children due to Covid, so we do need parents to be watching without distraction.It’s particularly important that we don’t get complacent around shallow pools because young children can drown in less than 30 centimetres of water.

Director of emergency Dr Luke Lawton said people also needed to be aware of jellyfish stings, with six people already paying a visit to the hospital as of November 30, 2021.

November to March is stinger season in North Queensland and jellyfish stings can be serious. Beach-goers should try to stick to swimming inside the stinger nets and snorkelers, scuba divers and surfers can wear a full-length stinger suit that covers the neck, hands and face to prevent stings.

He further said to call triple-0 if you get stung, and begin administering first aid immediately.

Dr Lawson added that 218 people as of November 30, 2021, have come to the Townsville Hospital with heat-related illnesses.

Here’s some advice from Dr Lawson for surviving the heat:

Follow the sun safety basics Slip, slop, slap and seek shade Stay hydrated Try to stay cool Seek medical help if heat stroke is suspected Circled Dot Circled Dot Circled Dot Circled Dot Circled Dot