Warn children to take care exploring rockpools and to never touch a blue-ringed octopus. Although you can't feel the bite, it can be fatal. The octopus is very small and brownish in colour and, when disturbed, bright blue rings appear on its body. Tell children not to poke fingers into crevices where octopuses can hide. Touching a fireworm, a bristling, pink to orange coloured worm which lives under rocks, can cause a painful sting which may need medical treatment.
Blue bottles are jellyfish with long tentacles that can sting swimmers.
When stung apply ice to relieve the pain and reduce swelling. Waves in Australian waters can be unpredictable and a number of people drown each year when they are washed from rocks. Sometimes rock is soft and can collapse under your feet without warning. Six pack rings from pulltop drink cans can trap wildlife, for instance. Teaching children to only collect empty shells.