Shire’s warning after two box jellyfish found at Gantheume

The Shire of Broome is warning beachgoers to remain vigilante this stinger season after multiple box jellyfish were found at Gantheume over the weekend.

Broome resident Sharmaine Donnelly-Chorlton took to Facebook on Saturday after she came across what appeared to be a box jellyfish washed up on Gantheume Beach.

“Probably not a good idea to swim at the beach at the moment. Heaps of Bluebottles and box jellyfish washed up at Gantheume,” she wrote.

Ms Chortlon later posted a photo of another jellyfish she discovered to following morning.

Found in Broome between October and May, these large jellyfish measure up to 30cm long and have up to 60 ribbon-like tentacles which cause severe whip-like red lacerations marks on the skin.

In more severe cases, the stings can cause the heart to stop beating.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said community safety is a priority.

“We encourage everyone to always be cautious when swimming, fishing and launching boats, especially in wet season,” he said.

“When there is a beach closure, please abide by the no swimming rule and look for and follow all beach signage.”

Risk can be mitigated by wearing stinger suits and carrying vinegar with you, while stinger relief stands are also located at all Broome’s major beaches.

It comes only a week after the presence of Broome’s other tropical marine jellyfish, the Irukandji, caused a 24-hour closure of Cable Beach.