Stinger nets will be in at Four Mile by the weekend
SLSQ Advice
The stinger nets on Four Mile Beach will be in place by the weekend, with Surf Life Savers detecting jellyfish over recent days and noting water temperatures have risen.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Port Douglas Club president Irene Knight said it was time for the nets to be put in place, but warned swimmers that while they would be protected from box jellyfish by the nets, it was still essential to wear a stinger suit or at very least a rash vest when taking to the water at Four Mile.
“The water is definitely heating up and there’s been a few little jellyfish-like creatures getting around so it is definitely getting into the season,’’ Mrs Knight said.
“Surprisingly, and I am always scared to say it, I am not aware of any beach closures this season because of crocodiles. We haven’t really had to deal with that at all this season… so that’s good.’’
Numbers on the “busiest beach north of Noosa” had been strong this year, Mrs Knight said.
“We have had the biggest numbers since I don’t know when. Our beach is always named the busiest beach north of Noosa. We do always get high numbers but luckily not much action
“We have different things to worry about here, we might not have rips or big waves. it is more preventative what we do.”
The stinger net going in, with it scheduled to be in place by November 6, is an opportunity to inform people what the nets are for and what they are not for, she said.
“It is a box jellyfish net … the holes are quite big. It is for the box jellyfish which are the most deadly ones. So the irukandji can still potentially go through the nets.
“We do daily drags to check if there are irirukandji with a finer net but the stinger net doesn’t protect you from crocodiles or irukandji.
“Be smart, check with the lifesavers before you go in and you should be all good,’’ Mrs Knight said.
There are life guards or volunteer lifesavers on the beach from 8am to 5pm, seven days of the week all year.
Warmer weather and beckoning beaches are expected to have plenty flocking to Queensland beaches from now on, with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) reminding beachgoers to choose patrolled locations and swim between the red and yellow flags.
The reminder has come after a busy long weekend start to October on Queensland beaches, with a high number of rescues and incidents recorded.
Of the rescues recorded over the October long weekend, 62 per cent occurred away from patrolled areas, highlighting the importance of choosing a beach where lifesavers and lifeguards are on duty.
SLSQ General Manager of Public Safety, Matt Thompson, said beachgoers should make safety a priority as warm weather encourages more people to head to the coast.
“We’re asking everyone to take a few simple steps to help keep themselves and their families safe this weekend,” Mr Thompson said.
“Choose a patrolled beach, swim between the red and yellow flags and keep a close eye on children whenever they are in or around the water.
Mr Thompson said conditions could vary between beaches and throughout the day, making it important for beachgoers to check conditions and local signage before entering the water.
“Our lifesavers and lifeguards are constantly assessing the conditions and are there to provide advice, so if you’re unsure, ask them before entering the water,” he said.
SLSQ is also reminding parents and carers to keep children within arm’s reach when they are in or around the water.
“A busy beach can make it more difficult to keep track of children, particularly when there are lots of people in the water so please keep your children within arms reach,” Mr Thompson said.
“Our lifesavers and lifeguards are there to help Queenslanders enjoy the beach safely, so make the most of their presence and ask for advice if you’re unsure.”
SLSQ Beach Safety Tips
- Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
- Check local beach and weather conditions before heading out.
- Read and obey all safety signage.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice if unsure about conditions.
- Supervise children at all times near the water.
