Dangerous marine life
Shark attacks are very rare, but it is important to swim between the red-and-yellow flags, where lifesavers keep a watch for sharks. If a shark is spotted, lifesavers will sound a siren or ring a bell, put up the red-and-white flag and tell you to leave the water immediately.
- after dusk or before dawn when sharks are most active
- with your dog
- in murky waters, estuary mouths or canal
- where fish are being cleaned.
Queensland is home to several species of dangerous tropical marine stingers, including the box jellyfish and the Irukandji.
Marine stingers are present in tropical Queensland waters all year round but the risk is higher during the marine stinger season (November–May).
- Always swim at patrolled beaches, between the red-and-yellow flags
- Look for and obey safety signs
- Don't enter the water when beaches are closed
- Ask lifesavers for help and advice if you need it
- Don't touch marine stingers washed up on the beach, they can still sting you
- Swim in the stinger nets where provided
- Consider wearing a full-body lycra suit to protect against marine stings.
If stung, dial Triple Zero (000 and ask for an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance, pour vinegar onto the sting and administer oxygen or CPR if required. Symptoms of Irukandji stings may take 20–40 minutes to develop—if in doubt, seek medical aid.
Read more about marine stinger first aid.
Crocodiles live in fresh and salt water in northern Queensland. Swim only in designated safe swimming areas. Even if there is no warning sign, there may still be crocodiles.
When in crocodile-inhabited areas:
- obey all crocodile warning signs
- always keep a watch for crocodiles
- never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles, even small ones
- never feed crocodiles—it is illegal and dangerous
- be extra careful around water at night and during the breeding season (September–April)
- stay away from the water's edge.
Read more about being croc wise.
Blue-ringed octopuses are one of the world’s most venomous animals. They live in tide pools and shallow reefs all around Australia.
Bites can occur when people touch them or stand on them. While the bite might be painless, the venom in their saliva can be fatal.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. When the ambulance is on its way, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bite site. Start and continue CPR if required.