Bluebottles striking surfers
Sarah Crawford Owen Jacques | 9th January 2010
IF you are heading to the beach today be sure to pack the Stingose.
Easterly winds have been blowing bluebottles into shore, stinging scores of people on Thursday and yesterday, and may bring more jellyfish today.
Council's southern lifeguard supervisor Mick Taplin said 70 people were stung at Kings Beach on Thursday and 80 people were stung by midday yesterday. However, it was not clear if all stings were caused by bluebottles.
Four children were yesterday taken by ambulance to Caloundra Hospital as a precaution after complaining of feeling "generally unwell" after the stings, including a girl, 12, who had been stung across the neck, according to an emergency services spokesperson.
One of those swimmers who received a nasty surprise in the water yesterday was Finn Delpaul, 7, of Ipswich, who sported a distinctive red welt with raised circles on her forearm.
But her mother, Georgina Delpaul, was not fazed.
"I think they are just part of the life here. You are wary of them but I wouldn't keep the kids away," she said.
Mr Taplin said the numerous stings yesterday were not enough to close the beach.
"If there were 1000 people and half were being stung we would close the beach," he said. "People need to take notice of the bluebottle signs, heed the PA warnings or see bluebottles on the tidemarks, and decide if they would like to take that chance."
If you are stung
GO to the nearest lifeguard tower
WASH the area with freshwater and gently pull off tentacles without rubbing them.
APPLY ice to numb the area.
IF concerned or experiencing a reaction, including lumps around the groin or underarm, seek further medical attention.