Irukandji

In a really cruel twist, this most beautiful of beaches is pretty much off-limits for swimming. We saw the signs on our first day here warning of jellyfish and crocodiles in the area, but after talking to locals, we weren't too worried about the crocs. There is an area of beach that is netted off and patrolled and is supposed to be free of jellyfish and safe for swimmers. So, we walked down this morning looking very forward to having a swim in the gorgeous waters.

Once we arrived though, we had second thoughts. The lifeguard was putting up signs re-opening the beach, with caution. There had been an irukandji jelly sting yesterday (inside the nets!) and the beach was closed. We asked him if it was safe to swim and he told us about the sting and looked at us as if to say, "I don't know, I hope so". Most of the onlookers decided not to swim, us included. A few brave, or reckless, people splashed around. For us, it wasn't worth it. We enjoyed the views and the sand and then returned to our pool in the jungle.

Irukandji jellyfish are extremely venemous and produce a hellish sting. The sting produces severe pain, vomiting, high blood pressure and more. They even result in psychological trauma, the feeling of impending death is common. If treated quickly, however, the stings are rarely fatal. But the resulting extreme pain may temporarily make you feel as if you want to die! Irukandji are tiny, no bigger than a centimeter cube. At such small size, I have no idea how the lifeguards patrol for them, or how they can declare the waters safe. Obviously, they can not guarantee it.

And so, we resist the call of this most lovely of beaches.