Bluebottle jellyfish warning in Vic waters

What is a bluebottle?

* They have a small deep-blue air-filled float and long thin tentacles covered in powerful stinging cells.

Are they dangerous?

* They can deliver a painful sting to bare skin, even when washed up dead on the beach.

* They can cause intense pain for a few minutes to many hours, which can spread to nearby joints.

* They can cause respiratory distress for children, asthmatics and allergy sufferers.

Where are they found?

* Along the east coast of Australia during summer, but not as common in southern and western Victoria.

Why are they here?

* Easterly winds and currents are pushing them ashore.

How to avoid being stung:

* Avoid swimming at beaches where bluebottles have washed up.

* Do not touch dead ones.

* Wear protective clothing such as a wetsuit or stinger suit.

What to do if stung:

* Leave the water and wash tentacles off with salt water.

* Lift remaining tentacles off skin with tweezers or gloved hands.

* Don't rub area with wet sand or towel, or wash with alcohol or vinegar - it makes it worse.

Source: Parks Victoria