Redland City Council has closed a bayside beach in Redland City, 25 km east of Brisbane, after reports a child was stung by a marine stinger.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council closed the beach at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve after the child was stung on Sunday morning.
Council chief executive Bill Lyon ordered the area closed and officers cordoned off the beach and ushered people out of the water.
Officers remained at the beach to advise people of the closure and hand out a fact sheet about Irukandji Morbakka fenneri jellyfish produced with the help of marine stinger expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin.
It is the second child to have been stung at the beach in less than two weeks after six-year-old Sebastian Murphy from Wellington Point was hospitalised after being stung on New Year's Eve.
He was stung by an Irukandji Morbakka fenneri and was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
His mother Raelene Murphy and Birkdale resident Jenny Larsen said they were concerned council had failed to act before and immediately after Sebastian was stung.
Council said it acted as soon as it was notified on January 2 even though it had received two calls late on December 31.
The beach remained open for swimming after council erected signs warning residents of the dangers at the point on January 2.
“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.
“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."
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, visit Redland City Council’s website at www.redland.qld.gov.au.
