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Stinging sea creatures called bluebottles posed a threat to beachgoers on the east coast of Australia.
In January, incidents of bluebottle stings were on the rise as the sea creatures swarmed shores of the country’s east coast. Strong winds reportedly propelled the bluebottles toward beaches in Queensland, Australia, particularly those in the regions of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Beaches in areas like New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania were also affected.
According to Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), a volunteer-based beach safety organization, thousands of people were treated after falling victim to the bluebottles’ stings.
Bluebottles resemble air-filled blue bags, which are around 15 centimeters long. They are not a single animal, but a group of organisms that form a colony. Although bluebottle stings are normally mild, they can be fatal. Victims of bluebottle stings may also experience allergic reactions and severe pain.
Data revealed that bluebottles are usually present on the east coast of Australia during summer. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported that cases of bluebottle stings on the east coast reach 10,000 each year.
In response to the stinging incidents, Australian government officials issued warnings and closed some beaches.
Additionally, the SLSQ cautioned beachgoers to avoid swimming at areas that are not monitored by lifeguards. The organization also recommended proper medical care, such as treating bluebottle stings by either running warm water along the affected area or placing an ice pack over it.
Surf Life Saving Australia, the country’s coastal safety authority, also released a campaign called “Draw a Line in the Sand,” which prompts beachgoers to prioritize their safety when at the beach.