Girl’s close call with deadly stonefish

AN 11-year-old girl has had a close call with nature yesterday morning after treading on a stonefish.

The dangerous encounter happened at Tallebudgera Creek on the southern side, near the bridge.

Lifeguards were quick to help the girl and have confirmed that the fish was already dead, which saved her from being injected with the creature’s venom.

Queensland Ambulance Service was not required on the scene and the young girl was recovering with hot water applied to her injury.

Surf Life Saving Services coordinator Nathan Fyfe said it was the second stonefish encounter in two weeks and swimmers should take caution when swimming near rocks and oysters.

“Last Thursday a 12-yearold girl was in a similar situation, where a stonefish had touched her wrist. We applied hot water and she was in quite a bit of pain,” he said.

“Lifeguards are now warning swimmers to keep an eye out. This little girl was just playing and didn’t see it sitting there.”