Popular Queensland beaches closed as thousands stung by bluebottles
Jellyfish stings have been creating havoc on Queensland beaches. Photo: Getty
More than 2500 people have been treated for bluebottle stings on the Gold and Sunshine coasts in Queensland as the jellyfish swarm beaches in record numbers.
Across the weekend, more than 2630 people have been stung with several suffering anaphylactic shock and treated by paramedics.
Almost 1000 people were hurt in a matter of hours on Sunday afternoon, with 476 bluebottle stings treated on the Gold Coast and 461 on the Sunshine Coast.
Surf Life Saving duty officer Jeremy Sturges said it was an “epidemic”.
“I have never seen anything like this – ever,” Mr Sturges said.
“Not everyone reacts the same way, but there have been very serious reactions.”
#BLUEBOTTLE Major bluebottle warning. Surf life savers have treated 2,632 stings across #GoldCoast and #SunshineCoast beaches this weekend alone. Yesterday saw 1,323 stings just on the GC. Approx 480 stings each across GC and SC today. Please be cautious of blue bottles!
— Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) (@lifesavingqld) January 6, 2019
Unusually strong north-easterly swell conditions pushed the bluebottles onshore and they are clumped in their thousands along the shoreline.
Lifesavers have been forced to close a number of beaches, with 476 people treated on the Gold Coast and 461 on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Sturges warned it was not just swimmers at risk with the jellyfish stranded along the tide lines still very much alive.
“People have been hurt as they just walk along the shoreline. Don’t pick it up, don’t walk on it or you will be stung,” he said.
Gold Coast SLS duty officer Peter Whitty said told the Gold Coast Bulletin that stingers had been relentless since Christmas.
“There have been a few around and some allergic reactions as well,” Mr Whitty was quoted as saying.
“If you’re stung go see a lifesaver or a lifeguard.”
Mr Whitty said the stings should be treated with hot water and ice.
“The water should be as hot as you can stand, do not make it scalding,” he said.
He warned against rubbing sand, vinegar or methylated spirits into the sting, and urged swimmers to keep between the red and yellow flags.
-with AAP
