Beach

Bluebottle Jellyfish

Where: floating in water, washed up on the shore

What to look for: transparent, bell-shaped body, blue, balloon-like float with long trailing tentacles

Danger: stinging tentacles can wrap around arms or legs. Can still sting even when dead on the beach

Symptoms: red, whip-like welts, sharp stinging pain, possible nausea or breathing difficulty in severe cases

First Aid Steps: DO NOT rub the sting area. Remove Tentacles with tweezers or gloved hands. Rinse with seawater (not freshwater). Immerse in hot water for 20+ minutes. Call 000 if pain persists

Safety Tip: LOOK, DON’T TOUCH. 

Cone Snail

Where: shallow water, sand or under rocks

What to look for: small, cone-shaped shell with patterns, may look harmless or collectible

Danger: has a venomous harpoon-like tooth, can sting if handled

Symptoms: Local pain or numbness. Can cause paralysis or breathing difficulty. First Aid Steps: Call 000 immediately. Apply pressure immobilisation bandage.  Monitor for signs of breathing difficulty – be ready to start CPR

Safety Tip: Do not pick up live shells or snails, only collect empty shells from dry areas

Blue Ringed Octopus

Where: rock pools, under shells or rocks

What to look for: small palm sized, tan or yellowish, bright blue rings appear when threatened

Danger: bite is venomous and can be fatal, often doesn’t look dangerous

Symptoms: numbness, difficulty breathing, paralysis. May be no pain at the bite site

First Aid Steps: Call 000 immediately. Apply pressure immobilisation bandage (similar to snake bite). Monitor for signs of breathing difficulty – Be ready to start CPR

Safety Tip: Never pick up shells, rocks, or octopus-like creatures. IF IT HAS BLUE RINGS, DON’T TOUCH A THING 

Stonefish (Australia’s most venomous fish)

Where: shallow, sandy, or rocky bottoms – well camouflaged

What to look for: lumpy, rocklike body. May not move when approached

Danger: Stepping on it triggers venomous dorsal spines, extreme paid and medical emergency

Symptoms: Intense, immediate pain, swelling, discolouration, possible nausea, difficulty breathing

First Aid Steps: Call 000 immediately. Place affected limb in hot water for 30 – 90 minutes. Remove any visible spines with tweezers

Safety Tip: Always wear water shoes

Crabs and Lobsters

Where: Under rocks or in rock pools

What to look for: Pinchers (claws), fast moving. Hiding in crevices

Danger: Can pinch fingers or toes if provoked or stepped on

First Aid Steps: Clean the wound with fresh water. Apply antiseptic and cover with a clean dressing. If bleeding or swelling persists, seek medical help

Safety Tip: Don’t put hands under rocks and wear sturdy water shoes

Sea Urchins

Where: Attached to rocks and sandy crevices

What to look for: Round, dark purple/black creatures with long sharp spines

Danger: Stepping on them can cause painful punctures. Spines may break off in the skin

First Aid Steps: Soak area in hot water. Remove visible spines with tweezers. If deep spines remain, seek medical assistance

Safety Tip: Don’t touch or sit on rocky areas with black dots or spines

Sea Snakes

Where: Warm ocean waters, sometimes near reefs

What to look for: Long, banded body. Paddle-like tail for swimming

Danger: Venomous but rarely aggressive. May approach if curious

Symptoms: Little to no pain initially. Muscle pain, drowsiness, paralysis, breathing problems

First Aid Steps: Call 000 immediately. Apply pressure immobilisation bandage. Monitor for signs of breathing difficulty – be ready to start CPR

Tip: Observe, but don’t interact