As Water Safety Week commences on Sunday 20 September, Territorians are being reminded to be cautious around sea water.

Stinger season starts officially on 1 October and continues until 31 May, however box jellyfish stings have been recorded historically in every month of the year. As temperatures increase around stinger season and the humidity rises, the sea water becomes warmer and stingers will start to populate the coastline.

“If you spend a lot of time on the water in the Top End you must be vigilant and take appropriate steps to avoid being stung,” said Injury Prevention Coordinator, Meredith Neilson.

“The warning is especially important for visitors and newcomers to the Territory who might not be aware of the danger.”

Each year about 40 people present to Top End health facilities as a result of stingers.

“Stingers can be found in our sea waters at any time but they are at their peak from October until the end of May next year.”

People launching boats or other water craft should take extra care to avoid being stung.

“Stingers prefer calm conditions so are often at the water’s edge, as well as in tidal creeks and around boat ramps.”

An adult box jellyfish can have 40 or more tentacles, each up to two metres in length and loaded with venom that causes excruciating pain and which can attack the heart and even cause death.

Children are at greatest risk as the venom injected during a sting has a greater impact due to their small size.

“The best advice is to stay out of the sea but if you have to get in the water, cover up with a stinger suit or a shirt and long trousers.”

If someone does get stung:

· Call for help (call 000)

· Douse the area with plenty of vinegar if you have it

· If any tentacles are on the skin you can pull them off (the skin on your fingers is thicker so only minor stings may occur)

· Take the person to hospital

· If they are really unwell you may have to do CPR or call an ambulance.

Media contact: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818 or 0427 596 954