Beachgoers in the 4551 have been greeted by an unwelcome visitor lately – the infamous ‘snotties,’ or snotty-nosed jellyfish, their orange, gelatinous forms dotting the shoreline.

While they’re better off dead on the sand, encountering one in the big blue is a different story – their sting can really pack a punch.

Officially named the Cyanea, but commonly referred to as a “hair jelly”, “snottie” or “lion’s mane” the jellyfish have a large flat yellow, brown or reddish bell top and a “mop” of fine, hair-like tentacles.

Found Australia wide, the last few weeks has seen hundreds of them dot the shorelines across greater Caloundra.

Its sting causes immediate severe burning pain and whip-like marks, often with tentacles remaining on the stung area.

Severe stings may cause the casualty to stop breathing and suffer cardiac arrest.

Surf Lifesaving Australia gives some advice on what to do if you’re unlucky enough to be stung by one in the water.

First Aid

• Exit the water
• Seek assistance from lifeguards if available
• Remove any adhering tentacles
• First wash area with seawater (not freshwater)
• Then place stung area in hot freshwater (no hotter than can be comfortably tolerated) for 20 minutes
• If local pain is unrelieved by heat or if no hot water available, apply a cold pack or ice in a dry plastic bag
• If pain persists and sting area is large or involves sensitive areas (e.g. the eyes) dial triple zero (000).