Marine stinger season begins on Queensland beaches stretching from Bustard Heads to Port Douglas

About 30 locations across Far Northern Queensland will soon have stinger nets installed as swimmers are reminded box jellyfish and Irukandji will make these waters home.

From November to May, Queensland beaches from Bustard Heads to Port Douglas will be home to several species of dangerous marine stingers, including the box jellyfish and the Irukandji. Pics Adam Head

About 30 locations across Far Northern Queensland will soon have stinger nets installed as swimmers are reminded box jellyfish and Irukandji will make these waters home from November to May.

Nets will be set-up at popular beaches such as Port Douglas, Palm Cove, and Mission Beach, allowing beachgoers to swim safely.

Surf Life Saving Queensland is set to install stinger nets at beaches across Cairns for the start of the stinger season. Cairns lifeguard Marty Dahlstom pictured. Picture: Brendan Radke

SLSQ regional operations manager Jen Rees said swimming was only recommended within these designated areas for safety.

“We recommend beachgoers always wear a full body stinger suit when in the ocean during stinger season,” she said.

“If you’re covered up, and inside a marine stinger swimming enclosure, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of avoiding a painful sting.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland, North Queensland Regional Operations Manager, Jen Rees, oversees the operations of all the volunteer life savers five Surf Life Saving Clubs – Port Douglas SLSC, Ellis Beach SLSC, Cairns SLSC, Etty Bay SLSC and Mission Beach SLSC. Picture supplied.

The box jellyfish and Irukandji are among the most dangerous marine stingers in the world, known for their painful stings and potentially life-threatening effects.

Ms Rees also reminded swimmers to avoid climbing on the nets, which is “crucial for maintaining” their effectiveness and to always swim between the flags.

“Swimmers should always stay off the nets so they can remain effective,” she said.

With stinger season upon us; from this week till May marine stinger swimming enclosures will be installed at around 30 locations in the north of the state. Photo: Ross Palm.

While surf lifesavers will conduct regular stinger drags within patrolled areas to monitor for dangerous stingers, operations manager for the North Barrier, Jason Wells, said the nets offer protection but could not be 100 per cent effective.

“If dangerous stingers are found, the beach will be immediately closed,” he said.

“Any swimmers who are stung should immediately notify the lifeguards or lifesavers on duty.”

Originally published as Marine stinger season begins on Queensland beaches stretching from Bustard Heads to Port Douglas