THE marine stinger season doesn't officially start for another month but our lifeguards are taking no chances.
Twice-daily drags began in waters off the patrolled beaches of Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas on Wednesday to "see what's out there", FNQ Lifesaving Services co-ordinator Ebeny Keating said.
"Irukandji can start earlier than (box) jellyfish so we just do this to see if there are any small animals starting to come out," Ms Keating said.
"At this stage it’s more of a precaution, so we can be prepared."
Although the first drags had yielded only "harmless" comb and button jellies and a few baby prawns, they were still of interest because prawns were usually a food source for jellyfish.
There was already evidence of stingers in local rivers, mainly further north towards Port Douglas, Ms Keating said.
She said the level of monitoring would increase as the time approached when the stinger nets were due to go into the water - at this stage, in the first week of November.
As well as dragging the waters with specially-designed irukandji or box jellyfish nets, lifeguards are keeping close tabs on water temperatures and general weather conditions.
Ms Keating said patrolled beaches remained the safest possible place for beachgoers at any time of the year.
"Those who intend on swimming in North Queensland waters are urged to take the necessary precautions and swim between the red and yellow flags, seek advice from lifesavers and lifeguards prior to entering the water and wear protective clothing," she said.
