Jellyfish Sting Treatment in WA (Complete First Aid Guide)
Jellyfish stings are extremely common along the WA coastline — especially around Perth, Rockingham, Shoalwater, Mandurah and down to Busselton.
Whether it’s bluebottles, stingers, or other irritating jellyfish, knowing the correct First Aid can reduce pain, prevent complications and keep you safe at the beach.
Here’s a simple, WA-specific guide on what to do.
⭐ 1. Identify the Type of Sting
Most WA beach stings come from:
✔ Bluebottles (Physalia)
– Long tentacles
– Sharp, instant pain
– Common at Rockingham, Shoalwater, Secret Harbour and Mandurah beaches
✔ Stingers / “Sea Nettles”
– Short tentacles
– Less intense but irritating
✔ Unknown Jellyfish
If you’re unsure — treat using standard First Aid.
Good news:
WA does NOT have deadly box jellyfish like northern Australia.
⭐ 2. Move Out of the Water Safely
Currents and waves can make the situation worse.
Help the person:
Move to shore
Sit down
Stay calm
⭐ 3. Remove Tentacles (Important Step)
Use:
Tweezers
Gloves
A credit card edge
A stick
Anything you can use without touching them directly
Do NOT scrape aggressively — gentle removal only.
⭐ 4. Rinse With SEAWATER (Not Fresh Water)
This is the most misunderstood step.
❌ Do NOT use fresh water.
It can cause more stinging cells to fire.
✔ Use seawater only
Rinse the area thoroughly.
⭐ 5. Use HOT WATER for Pain Relief (Proven Method)
Hot water helps deactivate the toxins.
✔ Immerse in hot water (not burning) for 20 minutes
Temperature: 40–45°C (hot shower temp)
If hot water isn’t available, use a warm compress.
⭐ 6. If Pain Persists — Use Ice
After hot water treatment:
✔ Ice pack wrapped in a towel
✔ 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
Avoid placing ice directly on skin for long periods.
⭐ 7. When to Call 000
Seek emergency help if the person:
Has difficulty breathing
Has chest pain
Shows signs of a severe allergic reaction
Has stings covering a large area
Is a child in severe pain
Is stung around the face or neck
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
Swelling
Wheezing
Hives
Collapse
⭐ 8. What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)
❌ Do NOT use vinegar
It makes bluebottle stings worse.
❌ Do NOT rub sand on the area
This activates more stinging cells.
❌ Do NOT apply urine
Old myth — completely ineffective.
❌ Do NOT bandage the sting
Pressure immobilisation is NOT recommended for WA jellyfish.
⭐ How to Prevent Jellyfish Stings in WA
Swim between the flags
Check local surf reports
Avoid beaches with visible bluebottle wash-ups
Wear wetsuits or rash vests when swimming long distances
Be extra cautious on windy days (onshore winds bring bluebottles in)
⭐ Be Prepared for All Summer Emergencies
Jellyfish stings are just one of many summer hazards.
At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach you how to respond to:
Jellyfish & marine stings
Heat stroke
Burns
Drowning
Choking
Allergic reactions
Child & infant emergencies
Our courses are hands-on, practical and designed for real WA conditions.
⭐ Ready to Learn These Skills?
Courses run every second Saturday — small class sizes and friendly trainers.