Horseshoe Bay beach has been closed for swimming after a six year old, Jack Webster, from Kelso developed irukandji syndrome after being stung inside the stinger net yesterday and another jellyfish was caught inside the net this morning.

Jack's father, Derek, told Magnetic Times, "Jack was paddling in the shallows then raced out of the water saying that something had stung or bitten him. He was in pain and I had a look at the spot (near the groin). He was very anxious and I took him straight to the life guard who applied an ice pack. This relieved most of the pain but not the anxiety."

Jack was however having trouble breathing and the life guard called an ambulance. "The paramedics got Jack to the Island Clinic," said Kevin Webster, adding, "They called a helicopter but it was away on another mission. Jack was then transferred to Townsville Hospital by ferry and admitted to emergency then ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and is now in the Children's Ward."

Surf Life Saving Services Co-ordinator, Mr Liam Drake told Magnetic Times, "The guards dragged the enclosure this morning and found another irukandji." The guards will monitor the situation and will be keeping all out of the water until they consider it is safe.

Jack's condition is now much improved but he is expected to remain in hospital another night for observation as the doctors want to monitor his blood pressure which can be a problem associated with Irukanji syndrome.

Jack told his dad, "It was the worst day I've ever had at the beach" but Derek was very impressed by the Island's medical services. The life guard was fantastic and Michael the paramedic as well as Trish and Frances at the Clinic - really fantastic!"

Jack' family have been holidaying on Magnetic and will continue to see out the holiday here with Derek and Jack rejoining the family later in the week. "It hasn't put us off visiting the Island" said Derek, "But from now on we will stick to the swimming pools."

Irukandji is not a specific type of jellyfish but is actually a syndrome, or a set of symptoms that occur following a jellyfish sting. Scientists believe there could be over ten different species of jellyfish which can cause the syndrome.

The jellyfish involved are very small with a body less than 2.5cm across and can slip between the weave of the stinger net. Nets made to any smaller spacing tend to clog up with algae and, as they are unable to let water pass through, they can be dislodged and torn up in rougher weather.

The symptoms often appear up to 40 minutes after the sting and can last from a few hours to a number of days. It can be extremely painful and begins with a mild sting which is followed by severe lower back pain, muscle cramps in arms, legs, stomach and chest, sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, headaches and palpitations. It has also caused cardiac arrest.

The best approach to avoid irukandji and box jellyfish stings is, according to Liam Drake, "To wear a full body lycra stinger suit which also provides 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and swim between the red and yellow flags on the beach and when there is a life guard in attendance."

Life guards are on duty at Horseshoe Bay beach from 9am to 4pm daily. They are on duty at Alma and Picnic Bays on Saturday afternoons and on Sundays.

Story: George Hirst