Stinger nets return this weekend

There are many signs of summer approaching in Far North Queensland.

Long hot days, green mangoes on the trees, the first storm.

And from this weekend, stinger nets are back on our beaches.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) says stinger nets will be operational at Cairns beaches, Port Douglas, Bramston Beach, Etty Bay, and Mission Beaches from Saturday.

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Summer is peak time for marine stingers including the dangerous box jellyfish and Irukandji.

They can be present in local waters all year but there’s higher risk of encountering them during stinger season, between November and May.

SLSQ said people should swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards and wear a full-body stinger suit when in the water.

Stinger nets give protection from some, but not all, species. It’s important not to play on or around the nets, where stingers may be present.

SLSQ North Queensland Regional Manager, Jen Rees, encouraged beachgoers to be vigilant this summer.

“We have enjoyed the ocean throughout the beautiful tropical winter.

“But as summer kicks in with hot weather, tropical rainfall, warmer waters, and northerly onshore winds, we are now entering our marine stinger season.

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“When the red and yellow flags are up, the lifeguards and lifesavers have completed the marine stinger drags and deemed the beach open.

“SLSQ wants to remind all swimmers about the importance of wearing full-body stinger suits this season.

“They’re essential to prevent life-threatening marine stings.”