Marine Stings
Most stings in Australian waters are painful but not dangerous. A few, mainly in tropical northern waters, can be life-threatening. The right first aid depends on what stung you. This sheet follows the current (2025) ANZCOR first aid guideline.
Treatment options
Ratings show how strong the research is.
- Strong evidenceBluebottle: hot waterPick off tentacles and rinse with seawater, then soak in hot water (about 45°C, as hot as can be tolerated without burning) for 20 to 30 minutes. A hot shower works. Use ice in a bag if hot water isn’t available or doesn’t help.
- Strong evidenceBox jellyfish: 000 and CPRIn tropical waters, get the person out of the water and call 000. Start CPR if they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally. Antivenom is available.
- Moderate evidenceBlue-ringed octopus, cone shell, sea snake: pressure bandageBites can be painless but cause paralysis. Call 000, apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and whole limb, keep the person still, and give CPR if breathing stops until help arrives.
- Moderate evidenceStonefish, stingray or other fish spines: hot waterSoak the limb in water as hot as the rescuer can comfortably bear, and get medical care. Don’t pull out a large embedded barb: pad around it. Stonefish antivenom is available.
- Limited evidenceBox jellyfish: vinegarDouse the sting for 30 seconds, then pick off tentacles. The evidence is mixed but it is still advised. Use ice for pain. Don’t use fresh water.
- Not recommendedBluebottle: vinegarDon’t use it on bluebottle stings.
- Not recommendedRubbing, fresh water or urineRubbing and fresh water can fire more stinging cells. Urine doesn’t help.
What you can do
- Swim between the flags. In tropical waters in stinger season (about November to May), wear a full-body stinger suit and swim in netted areas.
- Wear shoes on reefs and in rock pools. Never pick up an octopus or cone shell.
- Shuffle your feet in shallow water to warn stingrays.
- For advice, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
See your GP if
- A sting or wound becomes red, hot, swollen or oozing in the following days
- A spine or barb may still be in the skin
- An itchy rash returns at the sting site a week or two later
Call 000 for trouble breathing, collapse, a sting covering half a limb or more, or a sting near the eye. Also for severe back or muscle pain, sweating or vomiting starting 20 to 40 minutes after a minor tropical sting (Irukandji syndrome).
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/marine-stings/