Summer weather is here! While we are all enjoying the sun, surf and sand, it's important to be aware of the risks of stings from Australia's most common marine stingers - the Bluebottle.
What Are Blue Bottles?
The Bluebottle, or Pacific Man-of-War, is a colony of four types of specialized animals that work together to survive. The float (bubble part) is a gas-filled sac that keeps the colony afloat, while the tentacles catch food and pass it to the digestive polyps. The tentacles are venomous and can deliver a painful sting, even when washed up on the shore. Bluebottles are generally brought to the beach by north easterly winds and warmer currents.
Bluebottle stings can be very painful and can cause welts, rashes, nausea and muscle spasms. Fatalities are rare but they can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction.
How to treat a Bluebottle sting
Remove any remaining tentacles by gently picking them off or rinsing the area with seawater (not freshwater).
Immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 20 minutes. If hot water is unavailable or doesn’t lessen discomfort, then apply an ice pack.
Monitor vital signs. If experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, racing heartbeat, or intense pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Children and pets may be more susceptible to blue bottle stings.
Staying Safe This Summer
Harries from Bondi Rescue, along with Survival First Aid Kits created a great video about Bluebottle stings at North Avoca
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