Summer hits with a sting
Irukandji find shuts beaches
BEACHES north of Cairns could remain closed for several days as warm conditions bring a heightened risk of deadly stingers in the water.
All beaches from Ellis Beach to Holloways Beach were initially closed on Tuesday afternoon after lifeguards caught three irukandji at Kewarra Beach and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
The decision was made to keep the beaches closed again yesterday, including Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob.
Surf Lifesaving Queensland NQ regional manager Rob Davidson urged all swimmers to stay out of the water while the beaches were closed and red flags were flying.
He said lifeguards would perform stinger drags again this morning to identify any risks.
“If the conditions haven’t changed (today) the risk of the irukandji still being in the water and around the local beaches is very high,” he said.
“We’re always going to err on the side of caution. Patron safety is the most important thing to us.”
Mr Davidson said from November through until May/ June, the risk of stingers in Far Northern waters was very high.
“With our current prevalent conditions, which is the warm water, northerly winds and calm conditions on the coast, that’s when we see the irukandji come in,” he said. The marine resistant stinger enclosures aren’t designed for irukandji, so all we can do is follow our policies and procedures.
“We’re a week away from Christmas and we want a fatality-free festive season where people can have fun, enjoy family, but they need to think about what they’re doing before they do it. Stay safe ...”
Far North beaches that remain open, include Port Douglas, Green Island, Bramston Beach, Etty Bay, Kurrimine Beach, North Mission Beach and South Mission Beach. Competition commences 4/12/2018 at 3:00pm (AEST) and concludes 20/12/2018 at 11:59pm (AEST). Winners will be drawn on 21/12/2018 at 3:00pm (AEST). Total prize pool is valued at $8,020 (Inc. GST). For full competition terms and conditions visit cairnspost.com.au/competitions