There have been recent press reports about an increased incidence of Irukanji jellyfish in southern Queensland, particularly on the western coast of Fraser Island (the Hervey Bay side). There have been reported sightings of the Irukanji on Fraser Island for the past few years, but this year has seen a number of stingings resulting in the hospitalisation of victims. There have also been reports over several years of Irukanji in Moreton Bay, but these may well be a related and much larger jellyfish called the Morbakka, otherwise known as the Moreton Bay stinger or Fire Jelly. While stings from the Morbakka are severe, they are unlikely to be as bad as the Irukanji.
 
With the warming of our oceans as a result of climate change, we can expect the normally tropical jellyfish (especially the Irukanji as well as the Box Jellyfish) moving south and, eventually, onto Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and northern NSW beaches. In any case, hot and humid summer time weather coupled with predominant northerly winds results in increased incidence of marine stingers generally.
 
Here are Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s safety tips and treatment if you are likely to enter waters where you suspect Irukanji may be present:
 
Stinger safety tips

• Wear protective clothing (wet suit or lycra stinger suit), to reduce exposure to potential stings
• Protect your face and avoid putting your head underwater at high-risk locations
• In the absence of a full lycra suit, wear other protective clothing such as long pants tucked into socks
• Enter water slowly as marine stingers will often swim away from people given the opportunity and time.

Treatment

• Remove the patient from the water if safe to do so
• Treat using DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation)
• Treat the sting. Douse the area liberally with vinegar for at least 30 seconds
• Monitor the patient and seek medical assistance.

Note: Because the symptoms of Irukanji Syndrome may take time to appear following a sting, all tropical jellyfish stings should be doused with vinegar and the casualty should remain out of the water, in a safe location with someone to monitor them, for at least 45 minutes, as the casualty may appear stable initially before the onset of symptoms. 
 
For a full list of marine stingers, their description, incidence and treatment - especially those to be found in Australian waters – see the list under ‘Poisoning, bites and stings ‘ at www.otteraquatics.com.au/first-aid-training.html.

​I offer instruction in OWS aimed at triathlete aspirants, those interested in competing in the increasing number of ocean swimming events available these days or those who just wish to swim away from chemically-treated water or to avoid the ‘tyranny of the wall’ (having to turn every 25 or 50 metres), losing count in the process and having to follow that endless black line. Have you ever considered that long-distance open water swimming is really a form of meditation? You will finish your swim totally relaxed - OWSers often say that they leave all their cares and worries in the water. Once you make the transition, you will see that this is real swimming and that pool swims are just training for the real thing (this is my bias of course). Some swimmers want to introduce themselves to OWS in order to prepare themselves for Otter Aquatics’ domestic and international swimming tours.
 
OWS training – for both novices and those more experienced - will normally be held early on most Saturday mornings (with a likely start of about 6.30am in summer – but this will change as the cooler weather starts) at Queens Beach North, Scarborough (although we may use other venues from time-to-time). These sessions will go for 30 minutes and will be held only if there is a demand – so please phone or text me no later than the evening before if you plan to come. There will be a mix of on-the-beach training to discuss such things as fear of the open water/relaxation, navigation/sighting techniques and handling rough conditions – as well as actually doing it in the water.
 
Once a certain OWS proficiency is reached, swimmers may wish to take part in our regular OWS non-competitive group training swims over a distance of two kilometres or so (with the opportunity to pull out earlier if you wish), starting at about 8am on Saturdays (but the time and venue may change from time-to-time, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand). These swims run throughout the year with the wimps (me included) resorting to wearing wetsuits in the winter. This is as much a social event among like-minded people as anything else and, of course, there is no charge. We generally warm up with coffee in a nearby cafe afterwards.

Phone 0438 652 696 or email mark@otteraquatics.com.au for more information or to book your place.