Latest news with #GregTannos
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie beach plagued by 'masses' of bluebottles
A popular Aussie beach has been covered in blue after thousands of bluebottles washed up onto the sand on the weekend, forcing many hopeful swimmers to stay dry and others to swim elsewhere. Onshore winds blew the stingers onto Maroubra Beach in Sydney on Sunday and it looked like the sand was covered in clusters of shiny blue plastic from the pictures taken by beachgoers. Nippers competing at the beach had to relocate due to the risk of stings , however, in true Aussie fashion, some swimmers still chose to hit the waves. "Randwick Council Lifeguards do not close beaches when bluebottles are sighted, but instead erect signs in and around the flags to warn beachgoers," a council spokesperson told Yahoo News about the recent onslaught of blueblottles. Sydney man Greg Tannos told Yahoo News there were "masses of them" and it appeared the winds blew "just one big colony" on the beach. He was recently stung by one too. 🏖️ Aussies stunned by woman's unwitting act on beach ⚡️ Experts debunk popular bluebottle sting remedy 🧐 Aussie man stumped by peculiar beach find Bluebottles float on top of the water and are at mercy of the wind thanks to their bubble-like gas filled sack. They are an unwelcome summer time visitor to many parts of the east coast and are easily recognisable from their colour — and painful sting. It feels like an Aussie rite of passage to get stung by a bluebottle, and due to the "extremely painful sting", the experience often stays with swimmers long after the reddened marks disappear from their skin. Tannos explained the stings feel like you're "going into an electric shock in the water and then it keeps getting worse". Up to 30,000 bluebottle stings are reported annually, however, no deaths have been recorded from the stingers. "While bluebottle stings are very painful, they are generally not dangerous to humans," the council spokesperson said. It is important not to rub the sting area. Carefully remove the blue tentacles with your fingers. Rinse the area with sea water. Ice the area. If hot water is available, place the affected area under the hottest water you can comfortably tolerate. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
Aussies urged to bring 'crucial' life-saving device on hikes: 'Peace of mind'
Strapping up your hiking boots and exploring the bush is a great way to disconnect, but authorities are urging Aussies to do a few quick things before they go off-grid to help strengthen their chance of getting help if something goes wrong. This week, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) reminded Aussies of the two crucial steps they need to take long before stepping out of their front door for a hike — take a personal locator beam (PLB) and fill out a trip intention form. And, while time in the great outdoors is often sought in a bid to avoid the mundane tasks modern-life throws us, these two steps could be the difference between life and death, according to authorities. "In NSW we are lucky to be surrounded by incredible national parks, but these landscapes can be unforgiving and it's very easy to get lost, whether you are new to hiking or a seasoned veteran," Naomi Stephens, NPWS Acting Deputy Secretary, said. "It is crucial for hikers to inform someone about their plans, carry a personal locator beacon, and ensure they are well-equipped with the necessary supplies." Wildlife photographer Greg Tannos often treks in remote areas of the country in search of native animals and, despite his decades of experience, he always carries a PLB — even when he's with friends. "I always carry safety equipment all the time on my walks. I've got a PLB... it gives me peace of mind," he told Yahoo News. He recalled the moment one of his mates fell down a steep, rocky trail near Mermaid Pool in Pheasants Nest, NSW, late last year — with the man tumbling down the sharp rocks and hitting his head and hip. Greg didn't use the PLB at his friend's request, but admitted he was relieved he had it on him "just in case" the situation escalated. 😒 Camper calls for change to combat 'annoying' trend at national parks 🆘 The device that saved young fishermen drifting off Aussie coast ‼️ Inside missing hiker Hadi Nazari's 13-day survival Michael Atkinson, better known as Outback Mike, also swears by carrying a PLB and told Yahoo News previously that "there's a long list of things you can do to help yourself but just put an PLB in your bag". PLBs can be activated at any time by a hiker and it transmits a distress signal via a satellite, allowing emergency services to identify your location and provide assistance within hours — even where there is no mobile reception. In NSW, hikers can hire the life-saving devices for free from a range of 12 national park visitor centres and they are available for purchase nationwide. Hikers are encouraged to complete trip intention forms and share them with a friend not going on the trip, meaning if the alarm is raised after someone doesn't come back from their hike, rescuers have basic information to help with their search. Detailing where you plan to go and what colour you are wearing can help rescuers decide the best course of action when seeking you out. Dressing in "bright, waterproof, windproof and light weight clothing" could make you easier to spot. Outback Mike echoed this sentiment, saying bright clothing and equipment can have a "dual purpose". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
