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Whitsundays Bareboating and Irukandji Sting Prevention

Preface

As a bareboat charter operator in the Whitsundays one of the most common questions I am asked is "what about jellyfish" There are 2 types of jellyfish which drawn particular attention in this are one is the Box Jelly fish (Chironex fleckeri) and the Irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi). Both jellyfish have been recorded to have caused death with the Box

Season

January has the most frequently recorded stings. Stings have been attributed to the Box Jelly during all months of the year but far and away the most frequent recorded stings occur between October and April. I would be interested to see how the recorded stings related to the increased numbers of tourist since this is also the peak season for them

Signs Of Being Stung

Irukandji Syndrome is the title given to the condition arising fro being stung. This condition has been described by some of it's victims as being similar to a heart attack or even going into labour. Along with sweating, vomiting and back pain some have describe a feeling of anxiousness which stimulates a type of "fight or flee" feeling this is probably due to an onrush of adrenalin and other hormones released by the body in an effort to combat the toxin.

Dealing with A Sting

Applying vinegar to the area which has been stung will remove any other tentacles an prevent further invenonmation. Bareboat Charterer should also immediately contact the charter company to arrange the next step which is usually an airlift to Mackay where the victim is kept under observation

Reducing Risk

Best precautions are to wear what is commonly referred to as a "Stinger Suite" any reputable Bareboat Charter company will either provide them or refer you to where you can hire them. They are not a fashion statement especially for the more portly of us but they have a two fold purpose in that they are excellent for stopping sunburn which by the way is way more common a reason for spoiling a bareboat holiday than jellyfish stings

Conclusion

To my way of thinking, being a victim of an Irukandji sting while on a Bareboat charter cruising around the Whitsundays is less likely to happen than being hit on the head by a coconut but wearing a stinger suit is a small price to pay to put your mind at ease. My wife and kids all put them on when we are out snorkeling as so do I and my advise to you would be to do the same and we can all look a little weird together. See you in, under or on it.

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Find out more about the great holiday of Bareboat Charter in the Whitsundays. You can also do some research on the best places to visit and sites to see at Places to During Your Whitsundays Bareboat Charter

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