Stinger enclosures will be reeled in from far northern foreshores in a two week schedule beginning tomorrow morning, signalling the end of the high risk stinger season.

Council announced the end of the stinger season following consultation with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) and swimming enclosure contractor Uninet.
 

Mayor Val Schier said stinger nets will be removed from the water at all beaches from Bramston to Port Douglas.
 

“Enclosures are being removed a little later this year than last but authorities were reluctant to pull them out until they were very sure that swimmers will be safe,” Cr Schier said.
 

“Council contributes more than $1.2 million a year toward maintaining nets and supplying life saving services to ensure that locals and visitors can swim on our far northern beaches year round.”
 

Over the past two weeks SLSQ has found no sign of stingers in their regular drag program.  Despite the clear results, beachgoers are warned not to be complacent as the removal of the nets does not immediately guarantee the absence of stingers. Life Savers will continue a routine of dragging foreshore waters for 14 days after each net is removed.
 

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu encourages swimmers to take advantage of the wonderful weather in the absence of marine stingers.
 

“Swimmers should have fun, but pay close attention to life guards’ directions.

They are there to help and know the local conditions well,” Cr Leu said


Enclosures will be removed in the following schedule


Friday 11 June – Clifton, Ellis Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas

Saturday 12 June – Trinity, Holloways, Kewarra Beaches, Yorkeys Knob

Tuesday 15 June – South and North Mission, Kurrimine Beaches

Wednesday 16 June – Bramston Beach, Etty Bay