Introduction

Whitsunday bareboat operators are commonly asked by charterers if they need to be concerned about jellyfish or stingers. The answer to this question and “should I be concerned about having an accident when I am driving my car” is the same and that answer is yes but within reason.

Active Times

Box jelly fish stings have been recorded to have occurred in all months with January being the worst. The warmer period of the year spanning from the end of September to the beginning of April is considered the peak season. Which also aligns itself with the peak tourist season but I could not find a study which collates the two

Signs Of Being Stung

Symptoms have been likened to both a heart attack and labour pains. Sharp rise in blood pressure, pains to the lower back, vomiting and a feeling of impending dread. The thing I find fascinating about this is that the initial sting is not usually felt and that symptoms do not occur for about 30-50 minutes. Typically the symptoms ease of and return in 30 minute intervals usually each one worse to the one before.

Dealing with A Sting

First aid is usually to douse the affected area with vinegar, although this does little to reduce the affects of the toxin already in the system it does neutralise any further stings. As with treatment of other kinds of venomous bite some suggest a pressure bandage is beneficial. Bareboaters should contact their charter company as soon as they are made aware of the situation and follow their instructions. Usually a airlift to Mackay Hospital is needed for constant observation and pain management.

Reducing Risk

Best precautions are to wear what is commonly referred to as a “Stinger Suite” any reputable Bareboat Charter company will either provide them or refer you to where you can hire them. They are not a fashion statement especially for the more portly of us but they have a two fold purpose in that they are excellent for stopping sunburn which by the way is way more common a reason for spoiling a bareboat holiday than jellyfish stings

Finally

To my way of thinking, being a victim of an Irukandji sting while on a Bareboat charter cruising around the Whitsundays is less likely to happen than being hit on the head by a coconut but wearing a stinger suit is a small price to pay to put your mind at ease. My wife and kids all put them on when we are out snorkeling as so do I and my advise to you would be to do the same and we can all look a little weird together. See you in, under or on it.

Tags: Sailing

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