Second stonefish encounter on Gold Coast in two weeks

AN 11-year-old girl has had a close call with nature after stepping on a stonefish this morning. It’s the second close call in the past two weeks.

Two young girls have had a grisly encounter with a stoenfish in two weeks.

AN 11-year-old girl has had a close call with nature this morning after treading on a stonefish.

The dangerous encounter happened at Tallebudgera Creek on the southern side, near the bridge.

Lifeguards were quick to help the girl and have confirmed that the fish was already dead, which saved her from being injected with the creature’s venom.

People cooling off at Tallebudgera Creek during a hot summers day on the Gold Coast. Picture: Jerad Williams

Queensland Ambulance Service was not required on the scene and the young girl is recovering with hot water applied to her injury.

Surf Life Saving Services co-ordinator Nathan Fyfe said this was the second stonefish encounter in two weeks and swimmers should take caution when swimming near rocks and oysters.

Stonefish lurk under Tallebudgera Creek bridge. Photo: Nathan Prostamo

“Last Thursday a 12-year-old girl was in a similar situation, where a stonefish had touched her wrist. We applied hot water and she was in quite a bit of pain,” he said.

“Lifeguards are now warning swimmers to keep an eye out.

‘This little girl was just playing and didn’t see it sitting there.”