How effective are stinger nets?

Hi Whitsunday Regional Council website says: Stinger nets/enclosures are very effective at preventing the more dangerous Box Jellyfish (Chrionex fleckeri) from entering the enclosure. Data has shown that box jellyfish stings have dropped significantly since stinger nets were introduced.

Do stinger suits work?

Often made out of nylon or spandex for ultimate comfort when in the water, stinger suits not only offer a high level of protection against the harmful stings of jellyfish but can also help to keep out the sun's UV rays while you're swimming, surfing or undertaking a number of different water sports.

Which beaches have stinger nets?

How far south do stingers come in Qld?

These can be found around Tropical North Queensland along the coast as far south as Gladstone, from around October/ November to May/ June. Many popular beaches have stinger nets patrolled by lifeguards in place so you can swim safely.

What is a stinger enclosure?

This is a 'stinger net'. A custom made swimming enclosure that prevents the box jellfish from entering the cordoned off area and coming into contact with swimmers. You won't see them at other times of the year, but during stinger season, this is the only way you can swim safety in the ocean up that way.

Misconceptions about Stinger Nets

Do stinger nets stop Irukandji?

Marine stinger nets do not protect from smaller marine life - such as Irukandji, a group of jellyfish which are known to cause symptoms of a potentially dangerous syndrome called Irukandji Syndrome. Stinger nets cannot prevent the smaller Irukandji from entering the enclosure.

Do stinger nets stop crocodiles?

While the stinger nets are effective at keeping away box jellyfish and sharks, there is no guarantee they will keep out Irukanji jellyfish, or even crocodiles. On very rare occasions crocodiles have been known to crawl up onto a beach and re-enter the water into an enclosure where they obviously get trapped.

Where do stingers start in Queensland?

Stinger Season (harmful marine jellyfish) usually starts here in the far north Queensland around late October ending in May when the waters cool down. It is when jellyfish species, in and around the Great Barrier Reef, come to this area because of the warm, tropical waters.

Is it safe to swim in Queensland?

Queensland's beaches are great places to swim and surf, but be aware that sharks inhabit our coastline as well as estuaries, rivers, creeks, canals and streams. We recommend you swim between the flags at patrolled beaches that have shark control equipment in place.

What time of year are jellyfish most active?

April and May are “jellyfish bloom time in the North Atlantic,” the Marine Biology Association explained on Twitter in 2019. “If you've had onshore winds in the last few days, swarms of jellies can wash up.” Jellyfish are mostly made of water, so they die quickly after washing onshore.

Are there crocodiles at 4 Mile beach?

In the summer months, Four Mile Beach can be infested with extremely dangerous marine stringers. Crocodiles can be in the water at any time of the year. We came in the winter months, after all. If you come to Port Douglas, by all means enjoy Four Mile Beach.

How far south do stingers come?

Stingers are most commonly found around the top of Australia, but contrary to popular belief they can travel as far south as Sydney and Melbourne.

Can jellyfish sting through clothes?

Reason: The stingers are short and cannot puncture clothing. Special "stinger suits" can be bought in diving stores.

Can jellyfish sting through bathing suit?

3. Protect yourself with a wet suit, a protective suit, or jellyfish repellent. Many diving stores carry “stinger suits” or “dive skins” made of thin protective fabrics like Lycra, Spandex, Nylon, or Polyester. Stinger suits allow water to filter through the fabric, but will not let even tiny jellyfish to pass through.

Does a wet suit stop jellyfish stings?

Luckily, wetsuits are able to protect you from jellyfish stings. Since wetsuits are made of thick rubber material, they function as excellent deterrents against jellyfish stings. Because of this, some wearers even opt to use wetsuits in warm waters.

Do stinger suits protect against box jellyfish?

Stinger suits tend to be slightly thicker so that they can provide more protection from the sting of potentially deadly jelly fish such as the box jellyfish. Stinger suits are also full body suits which can include socks, mittens and hoods to provide the maximum protection.

Why can't you swim in the sea in Cairns?

Yes, you can swim in the oceans at Cairns, but it is considered dangerous, especially from November to May. This is due to the presence of jellyfish and many other kinds of insects and organisms which might sting you. Stingers can be very harmful, and stings hurt a lot as they inject venom into your body.

Where can you not swim in Queensland?

Tropical North Queensland, home to some of the most dangerous creatures on the planet, yep that's right – the planet! When you're walking on the pristine beaches up in Far North Queensland (FNQ) you will notice that no one is swimming in the water.

Is it safe to swim in Brisbane?

Even though swimming in the waters isn't very safe in the Brisbane River, other activities are near or in the river are safe. Kayaking and paddleboarding are very popular water activities in the river.

Is it safe to swim at beaches in Cairns?

The beach is very safe for swimming and like all Aussie beaches has lifeguards on duty and, in our tropical summer from November to May, a stinger-proof enclosure for protected swimming.

Do you need a stinger suit in the Whitsundays?

You can see jellyfish in the Whitsundays all year round, but there's a lot more of them around this time. It's recommended to wear a stinger suit (a lightweight suit made from nylon or spandex) to protect yourself from harmful stings when swimming, snorkelling or doing other water activities.

How far inland do saltwater crocs go?

These frightening and fascinating animals live in the Northern part of Australia in a warm and tropical climate. You can find crocs along the north coast between Broome (Western Australia) and Rockhampton (QLD) and up to 200km inland. Here's an overview about crocodiles in Australia.

How far down Qld coast are crocodiles?

Crocodiles have been known to be as far south as the Mary River in Gympie. This is only about 167km from Brisbane and only 52km from the Great Sandy National Park. More astonishingly, this is a whopping 449km away from the northern points of Queensland where they are typically found.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Darwin?

The Darwin Waterfront features a Wave Pool alongside a free Recreation Lagoon which are both great options to cool off in. The lagoon is surrounded by a sea wall so it's safe for swimming and is patrolled by lifeguards.