They are easily identified by their elongate pale blue float, usually about 5 cm long, with darker blue tentacles trailing beneath it. Watch out for bluebottles if you are visiting the beach. The tentacles contain nematocysts, coiled stinging cells that fire when touched. Even the bluebottles that have washed ashore and are dried out, with airfilled floats that are fun to pop, may have unfired nematocysts that can fire if touched. The best preventative approach is to leave the water if bluebottles are present and to resist the urge to pop the dried out floats.
Stings are usually mild but can be painful and cause a beaded red line on the skin.
If a sting occurs remove any tentacles with tweezers or a gloved hand and apply ice packs to relieve pain. An analgesic such as paracetamol or aspirin can assist in relieving pain. If the sting seems severe seek medical aid and keep some tentacles or any other part of the stinger for identification. The good news is that bluebottles are most prevalent in autumn and winter and are less common as summer approaches. For more info or any other enquiries, click here .