![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/05\/275678500_748654417_67378-1-1-e1651707428893-600x380.jpg?_t=1651707431\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SUMMER has ended and the hopeful end to the long-running easterly onshore winds are in sight.<\/p>\n
However, some marine animals are not budging and may still be an issue as the winter months approach.<\/p>\n
Due to a recent influx of onshore and easterly wind patterns, the predominant summer wind has mixed with the warmer water temperatures seeing a jump in blue bottle stings and sightings across the region.<\/p>\n
Residents along the coast have spotted the blue beasts along Torquay, Ocean Grove, Anglesea, Point Impossible and Fairhaven beaches.<\/p>\n
Some locals have said their dogs and children had been stung over the past couple of months and warn that people need to be vigilant when encountering the creatures.<\/p>\n
Blue bottles are common throughout Australia and particularly in this region during the warmer summer months.<\/p>\n
The creature relies on wind to get around and can be found on exposed ocean beaches after strong onshore easterly winds.<\/p>\n
Even though there are no known fatalities from a blue bottle encounter in the Southern Hemisphere, a sting can still be incredibly painful, potentially dangerous and pose health risks for a person in contact.<\/p>\n
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) are asking people to be aware and avoid being stung by the animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe appearance of bluebottles are a consequence of prevailing easterly winds and currents, pushing these open ocean animals into the Bass Strait, with some washing up on our beaches,\u201d a DELWP spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBluebottles can deliver a painful sting when the tentacles make contact with bare skin, even when washed up dead on the beach, so we remind everyone to be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
If stinging occurs, leave the water immediately and wash off any adherent tentacles with salt water.<\/p>\n
If any tentacles are still attached to the skin, gently lift them off with tweezers or a gloved hand to minimise more stinging capsules from being fired.<\/p>\n
It is also recommended to not rub the area with wet sand or towel, or wash with alcohol or vinegar as this will only make the pain and injury worse.<\/p>\n
Surf Coasters have also spotted multiple yellow bellied sea snakes along Whites and Torquay main beach.<\/p>\n
Sea snakes are highly venomous and can cause intense and severe pain.<\/p>\n
\u201cSea snake sightings are pretty rare in Victoria, particularly as it cools off,\u201d the DELWP spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people encounter them in the water, they should stay calm and move away if they can. The snakes can be poisonous, so if a bite were to occur, people should seek medical assistance straight away.<\/p>\n
Any passers-by are urged to contact the Marine Response Unit and the DELWP if a marine animal needs medical attention.<\/p>\n
This includes sea snakes, sea turtles, seals and seabirds.<\/p>\n
Returning marine wildlife back into the ocean without appropriate safety advice can pose a risk of injury to both the animal and human.<\/p>\n
Sightings or incidents can be reported to DELWP by phoning on 136 186.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SUMMER has ended and the hopeful end to the long-running easterly onshore winds are in sight. However, some marine animals are not budging and may still be an issue as the winter months approach. Due to a recent influx of onshore and easterly wind patterns, the predominant summer wind has mixed with the warmer water […]<\/p>\n