Redland City Council advises residents and visitors that the beach bathing area at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve has been closed due to reports of marine stings.
Redland City Council Chief Executive Officer Mr Bill Lyon said Council today ordered the area closed after reports of another child being stung by a marine stinger.
“Council’s decision to today close the beach bathing area at the western side of Wellington Point Recreation Reserve is for the safety of our community,” Mr Lyon said.
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“Council officers have erected fencing and signage at the beach area to inform residents about the presence of marine stingers and advise them not to swim or paddle in the water.
“Council officers are also present at the beach to advise visitors of the closure and hand out a fact sheet that Redland City Council produced about the Morbakka Jellyfish with the assistance of marine stinger expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin.”
Mr Lyon said a recently reported Irukandji in Moreton Bay Waters stinging a child at Wellington Point was of the type known to inhabit the area.
“The stinger was identified by Dr Gershwin as a Morbakka Jellyfish (Irukandji morbakka fenneri), also known as a Moreton Bay stinger.”
Mr Lyon said since Council was notified of people being stung by marine stingers at Wellington Point over the holiday period, it had acted to ensure extensive signage (101 signs) were in place across popular areas of the city’s coastline warning of the potential presence of marine stingers, as well as making information available on Council’s website and social media.
“As a result of the stings, which Council has never dealt with before, Council has developed its own procedures and fact sheet in conjunction with Dr Gershwin, Australia’s expert in marine stingers and on this particular local species.”
“We will also conduct an audit of marine signage in the Redlands in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Queensland.”
Mr Lyon encouraged people to familiarise themselves with ways to avoid marine stingers as well first aid treatment for marine stings, including the Morbakkah Jellyfish.
There are a number of things that can be done to avoid marine stings:
- Swim between the red and yellow flags if present, and check with the lifeguards to see if there have been any stings lately.
- Wear protective clothing such as a full body lycra suit, sun-suit, dive skin, rashie, or pantyhose. These reduce your chances of being stung and also provide sun protection.
- Carry a bottle of vinegar in the boat or car (white or brown are both effective).
- If you see a Morbakka or are stung, get out of the water and alert others who may be in the water.
All medical emergency calls should always be made to the 000 emergency number, not to Council.
For more information about the Morbakka Jellyfish, as well as information about the other three types of Irukandji and appropriate first aid, view our Morbakka Jellyfish fact sheet.
