Swimmers and sunbathers alike are out fully enjoying Four Mile Beach’s glorious conditions after stinger nets were taken in over the weekend. 

The opening couldn’t come at a better time as a cruise ship pulls into port, combined with the leadup to Carnivale starting this Friday. 

Lifeguard Laurie Green said conditions had been judged safe enough to permit the removal of the nets. 

“Usually they wait until about the end of May because they are waiting for the water temperature to be low enough that the jellyfish will be at a certain point in their life cycle,” he said. 

“They also like to see at least a two-week period where they can’t catch any irukandji.”

Laurie, who has been a professional lifeguard for 6 years and volunteering for 10, said although there ‘hadn’t been any dramas’ at Four Mile since the beach was opened, swimmers should always exercise caution and swim between the flags. 

Although Far North Queensland beaches don’t experience severe rips in the same way as locations further south due to the effect of the Great Barrier Reef, swimming between the flags means surf life saving personnel and lifeguards like Laurie can keep an eye on swimmers.

“It’s good to see everyone out having a good time at the beach, and of course the conditions today are just perfect,” Laurie said.