Nets returned at Four Mile to keep beachgoers ‘stinger-safe’
Stinger nets reinstalled
Stinger nets were rolled out by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) at Four Mile Beach recently ahead of the high-risk stinger season.
Every year the nets are installed in the first week in November from Port Douglas to Townsville and Magnetic Island and as far as Airlie Beach and Gladstone.
Karly Abbott from SLSQ has urged beachgoers to swim in the nets and recommended wearing a full body lycra suit when going in the ocean over the coming months.
She explained that the Irukandji usually occupy deeper offshore waters but that they are swept inshore by northerly winds and currents in the period from November to May.
“Box Jellyfish usually spawn in shallow water creeks or mangrove outlets,” she said.
“The polyps attach to the underside of rocks. The tropical summer rains wash the small jellyfish 1.5mm into the ocean where they mature over 6 months.”
Net drags
Ms Abbott said lifeguards and lifesavers will perform regular stinger drags to make sure no stinger manages to make their way into the enclosures.
“There are two kinds of net drags,” Ms Abbott explained.
“A one person drag is aimed at smaller jellyfish like the Irukandji. This drag is being performed inside the stinger swimming enclosure.
“A two person drag is done between the flags and either side, against the sweep. This net drag will pick up the larger Box Jellyfish called Cynea (Hair jellies).
“If lifeguards or the volunteer lifesavers find Irukandji or Box Jellyfish in the net drags the beach will be closed off.”
Look out for signage
”The signage on the beach will also have up to date information,” Ms Abbott said.
“It is recommended that beach goers look out for signage and wear a stinger suit in the season from November to May.
“Removing the nets towards the end of May and beginning of June will depend on what is being caught in the stinger drags done by the Lifesavers and Lifeguards.
“Clear drags over two weeks will indicate it is safe to remove the nets.”
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