Easterly winds bring bluebottles to the beaches

A STRING of easterly winds has brought bluebottle jellyfish, also known as the Pacific man o’war, to Surf Coast and Bellarine beaches during March.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority said it had not received increased reports of bluebottle jellyfish occurrences along the Great Ocean Road, but generally expected the jellyfish along beaches in the warmer months.

“Bluebottle jellyfish occur on shorelines across the Great Ocean Road. They are often blown onto beaches by east and south-easterly winds during warmer months. This is a naturally occurring seasonal event,” a spokesperson said.

Scout Rigoni from Life Saving Victoria said the jellyfish were a normal part of the marine environment and their presence was no cause for alarm.

“While it’s important to be alert, you do shouldn’t be alarmed by their presence. Swim between the red and yellow flags wherever possible, and if you’re not sure, ask a lifesaver about the beach conditions,” Mr Rigoni said.

“The best thing to do if you get stung is to present to lifesavers who can assist, as all our patrol teams are trained to provide suitable first aid.”

Pat Nobel from SEA LIFE Melbourne said the jellyfish stings can be neutralised simply by pouring hot water over the area, although careful attention should be paid not to burn the skin.

“Whenever we have those north easterly winds coming down the east coast of Australia or easterly winds coming into Victoria they get blown onshore and onto our beaches, especially the bluebottles because they’re so pneumatic and have that floating adaptation, that bubble on top of their body.

“They wash up on our beaches and everyone ends up seeing them and moves out of the water and tries to stay away,” Mr Nobel said.

“The bluebottles are classified as the Cnidarian Phylum which is all jellyfish and they have these stinging cells and the stinging cells is what gives us this sting, and the redness, and pretty much the best way to reduce this is hot water.

“Hot water denatures the sting and reduces the reaction, but if you’re getting more adverse reactions definitely tell your doctor.”

Mr Nobel said if you’re getting tangled in the tentacles you should ask a lifeguard to help, and perhaps use tweezers to remove the jellyfish, but their presence on the beach is not cause for alarm.