Morbakka Awareness: Staying Safe in Our Bay

As a club rooted in open water swimming at Suttons Beach, we're no strangers to sharing the bay with marine life. Recently, member Keira Mary encountered a Morbakka jellyfish, also called the "fire jelly" or Moreton Bay stinger, a small box jellyfish native to our area. While stings are rare, her story, along with Club Manager Brian Shapland's experience, highlights the importance of awareness. We're sharing this to educate, not alarm, so we can all enjoy our swims safely.

Morbakka fenneri is palm-sized, transparent, and hard to spot. It is common in summer when waters are warmer and calmer, especially after northerly push them shoreward. All jellyfish sting, but Morbakka's tentacles deliver a burn-like venom that protects itself. Symptoms vary by person (size, age, allergies) and can include intense pain, welts, nausea, headaches, breathing issues, shock, or a sense of impending doom (Irukandji syndrome in severe cases). Fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded.

Keira was swimming opposite the playground when it felt like "being stabbed by a knife" in five places. The pain was immediate and unbearable; she couldn't move and needed help to shore. Marks appeared as purple whip welts, and she experienced Irukandji syndrome, requiring ambulance transport. Paramedics tried pain relief, but a hot shower at home finally eased it. Recovery was quick; she was back swimming in four days, though scars peeled and itched.

Brian was stung a few years ago: "It felt like an electric current." He swam to shore, wrongly used ice, and felt unwell enough to sleep it off. Welts lasted a month, but he resumed training next day.

Treatment Tips: (from experts like Surf Life Saving Queensland):

1. Remove from water safely.

2. Rinse with seawater (not fresh, as it activates stingers).

3. Remove tentacles with tweezers or gloved hand.

4. Soak in hot water (as tolerable) for 20 minutes to deactivate venom.

5. Pain relief like paracetamol/ibuprofen.

6. Seek medical help for severe symptoms or if worsening. (Note: Avoid vinegar for Irukandji types like Morbakka, as it may worsen the sting.)

Prevention: Swim with a buddy, wear protective gear (long togs, rashies), keep a first aid kit (hot water, ice pack), and watch for summer northerlies. Encounters are unlucky and uncommon. Keira calls it "bad luck," reminding us: "Life always looks better underwater."

The positive? Our club's support shone. Many members provided seamless care, with check-ins and love pouring in. As Brian says, "Swim with a friend, don't panic." Let's stay informed and keep enjoying our bay!

Stay safe, Ninjas!