Swimming and River Crossings

The Meggs family on Safari to Cape York

From roughly north of Bowen in Queensland, marine stingers and box jellyfish are a real hazard in the summer season and some have been stung even in the so called off season. Always carry a 2 litre bottle of vinegar whenever swimming in tropical waters. If stung the best current advice seems to be to pour on copious amounts of vinegar and to seek immediate medical assistance, as stings effect the nervous system and may effect breathing. Avoid rubbing the tentacles as this releases more venom. Having lived in Cairns for 25 years we have had a lot to do with stingers. During summer we simply used to swim in rivers only.

There is a commercial product called Stingose available from chemists. ($6.50) We have not tried this product on marine stingers. You will find vinegar bottles tied to poles on some tropical beaches - don't rely on this though as its best to have your own. We have treated many sting victims and it is very painful. Crocodiles are active in Top End waters, even as far south as Cairns/Innisfail, so it is essential you observe warning signs. The signs are popular "souvenirs" so if there is no sign please don't assume it is safe to swim in that particular place. Please observe 'no swimming' signs and remember it is hard to determine the difference between and fresh water and the more dangerous salt water crocodile.