NT Health warns of stinger season dangers at Darwin beaches

Health experts have issued a fresh warning against one of the country’s deadliest marine creatures. Here’s what it means for swimmers.

Box jellyfish have claimed the lives of 14 people in Top End waters since 1975 – all of whom were children. Picture: Supplied

Build-up weather has brought the return of “invisible” killers in Top End waters, prompting health experts to issue a fresh warning for would-be swimmers.

The stinger season officially arrived on Sunday, with venomous box jellyfish now more likely to be found in coastal waters until the end of May.

About 40 people present to hospitals and health clinics with stings every year while 14 people have died since 1975 – all of whom were children.

Royal Darwin Hospital Professor of Medicine Bart Currie urged people to be “highly vigilant” of the deadly and often undetected creature.

Professor Bart Currie has reminded Territorians that stinger season officially started on Sunday, coinciding with the first day of the wet season.

“The major box jellyfish can be almost invisible in the water,” he said.

“It has 40 or more tentacles – each of which are covered in millions of stinging cells – so the best advice is to stay out of the sea.

“It’s important to remain aware even at the water’s edge and in tidal creeks, as these box jellyfish prefer calm conditions.

“People launching boats or other watercraft should take extra care.”

Professor Currie said most severe and fatal stings happen soon after a person enters the water, including in the shallows.

“If you have to get in the water, ensure you cover up with a stinger suit or a shirt and long trousers,” Professor Currie said.

“If stung, you will feel immediate pain and, within minutes, white welts will appear where the tentacle touched the skin.

“These welts change to red whip-like lines and subsequent skin death may lead to permanent scarring.

“Box jellyfish venom can quickly enter the bloodstream and may affect the heart, causing irregular heartbeat and, in worst case scenarios, cardiac arrest and death.”

Children are particularly at risk of being stung due to their small body size and greater exposure in shallow water.