Beachgoers across Tasmania are being urged to stay alert after bluebottles were spotted at several beaches across the state over the long weekend.
Locals have reported sightings near Orford on the east coast, as well as at beaches in Devonport, Somerset and Burnie on the north-west coast.
The Raspins Beach Surf Life Saving Club issued a warning on Sunday after bluebottles were spotted at Spring Beach.
“If you are stung by a blue bottle, you should remove any blue tentacles stuck to the skin,” the club said. “Don’t rub the area.”
The club advised rinsing the sting with seawater – not freshwater – and placing the affected area in hot water for 20 minutes to relieve pain.
Further reports on the north-west coast included Somerset Beach, Burnie foreshore and Coles Beach in Devonport.
“The warm weather and warm water is definitely bringing them out,” one local said.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania also recommends removing any tentacles as quickly as possible, using a credit card or flat object to gently scrape them off.
Symptoms may include intense pain, redness, itching and swelling. In more severe cases, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing can occur.
Bluebottles – also known as Portuguese man o’ war – are common visitors to Tasmanian waters during summer.
They drift on ocean currents and are often blown onto beaches by warm easterly winds.
