Box jellyfish: Territorians urged to prepare for deadly swimming threat

TERRITORIANS are being urged to prepare for a deadly swimming threat in the wet season

St John's Ambulance NT officer in charge Rob Webster has been stung by a box jellyfish iand is urging Territorians to be careful. Picture: Keri Megelus

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BOX JELLY season is approaching and Territorians are being urged to prepare before swimming in coastal waters.

Stinger season starts on 1 October until 31 May however box jellyfish stings have been recorded year-round.

Each year about 40 people present to Top End medical facilities with stinger injures.

Public Health Unit spokeswoman Meredith Neilson said swimmers should take appropriate steps to avoid being stung.

“Stingers prefer calm conditions so are often at the water’s edge, as well as in tidal creeks and around boat ramps,” she said.

“The best advice is to stay out of the sea but if you have to get in the water, cover up with a stinger suit or a shirt and long trousers.”

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An adult box jellyfish is hard to see and can have more than 40 tentacles, each up to 2m in length.

These tentacles are loaded with venom which causes excruciating pain and can attack the heart and potentially cause death.

Children are at greatest risk if they are stung.

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If a person gets stung, Ms Nielson instructed Territorians to:

• Call triple-0

• Douse the area with vinegar

• If tentacles are on the skin pull them off (minor stings may occur)

• In extreme cases, be prepared to perform CPR