When is stinger season

Taking the Plunge Stingers, or jellyfish as they are more universally known, tend to drift to shore at this time of year and getting stung whilst swimming or snorkelling can be unpleasant to say the least.

Donning the Stinger Suit While stinger nets are out in full swing at many beaches across the coastline of Cairns, it is well worth noting that they are not totally fool proof.

Staying Safe in Cairns Whether or not you take to the waters is a personal choice. Explore Our Cairns Tours. The Irukandji jellyfish, by comparison, is a pint-sized predator with a transparent bell measuring just 12 to 20mm and four small tentacles. There are numerous Irukandji species and two recorded deaths.

It is an incredibly lethal species. Box jellyfish thrive in tropical waters and are commonly found in the Northern Territory and as far south as Gladstone in Queensland and Exmouth in Western Australia. They favour warm, clear water, which is why coastal areas sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef are notorious for stingers. Irukandji are less predictable and, contrary to common belief, aren't confined to the tropics.

Dr Gershwin says Irukandji species are regularly found off the beaches of Victoria, Sydney and Perth, though stings are less common down south. The traditional stinger season in the tropics is during the warmer months from November to May. This is when box jellyfish are at their peak, but stings have occurred as early as September. Irukandji activity varies depending on the species.

A box jellyfish can kill a person within minutes with a potent blast of venom that directly attacks the heart.

University of Melbourne toxinologist Dr Ken Winkel describes the multi-tentacled creatures as "a veil of death". By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy. This contrasts with most other venomous creatures that inject a single bolus of venom that has to be slowly taken up into the body's circulation and often acts indirectly to cause body damage.

Dr Winkel, a senior research fellow with the School of Population and Global Health, says Irukandji act indirectly by triggering the nervous system to release masses of stress hormones, which can cause pain, anxiety and potentially lethal increases in blood pressure. For unbiased, expert and friendly advice call us — our service is free! Personal Safety Rules Some simple rules for safe swimming apply to help reduce the risk of incidents involving marine stingers: Lifesavers and Lifeguards patrol the beaches for your safety and enjoyment.

Please swim only at patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags. Look for, and observe, warning signs. Where provided - swim in stinger resistant enclosures. Do not interfere with stinger-resistant enclosures nets , or sit on floating pontoons. A person stung by a Box jellyfish will instantly know. Their stings cause an immediate burning sensation to the skin, and large welts will appear at contact points.

If stung by a Box Jellyfish, the affected area should be immediately doused in vinegar. Immediately contact emergency services if you see someone with a sting. Though Box Jellyfish are highly venomous there is an antivenom available and will be distributed by medical professionals. Irukandji Irukandji are much smaller than their Box Jellyfish cousins. With their bell measuring a mere 2cm and their tentacles rarely reaching a metre in length, the Irukandji are incredibly hard to spot in water.

People often do not feel Irukandji stings, and this leads to under reporting. Additionally, reactions to the sting may take an hour to materialise.