From November through to April, jellyfish are the most common wildlife hazard in the area. There are many species of jellyfish in the area and the toxicity of them is just as varied. If you listen for local reports on the jellyfish situation and wear a stinger suit chances of getting stung are minor. A stinger suit is usually a full body lycra suit designed to prevent the effects of jellyfish on people. They are also affective against the effects of the harsh Queensland sun and are a useful swimming aid.

Perhaps the most commonly talked about species would be the Box Jellyfish. Box Jellyfish are by no-means aggressive and given the opportunity will avoid swimmers when ever possible. Most stings occur when they are approached at speed and don't have a chance to swim away. Box Jellyfish breed in the river systems of the mainland and are unlikely to be found as far out as the islands. They are most likely to be found in shallow water in calm conditions and especially during northerly winds. If a sting occurs, douse the area with household vinegar for at least thirty seconds before attempting to remove any remaining tentacles. While this doesn't stop the effects of the venom it will prevent any further release of venom from the remaining tentacles. Seek medical attention. A severe Box Jellyfish sting can be lethal, so be prepared to commence resuscitation.

In recent years a major contributor to jellyfish injuries (as well as some fatalities) is the Irukandji jellyfish. The Irukandji are a very small jellyfish (10mm - 25mm), are almost transparent and the effects of a sting may not be present for up to thirty minutes so most people never see the one that stung them. The venom of the Irukandji jellyfish is very potent and symptoms such as: sever lower back pain; muscle cramping; abdominal and chest pain; sweating; anxiety; nausea and spiking blood pressure may be the first signs that an Irukandji sting has occurred. Again, dousing the area in vinegar will prevent further venom discharge and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not let the victim rub the area and continue to reassure them until medical attention is available.

Toadfish are a member of the puffer fish family and are therefore poisonous to eat. Around the Whitsundays however, Giant Toadfish (commonly called "Toefish") are known for an entirely different hazard. They have four large fused teeth which, on more than one occasion, have been used to severe the toes of unsuspecting fisherman in the shallows. Their bizarre toe fetish has been known to cause aggressive behavior in Toadfish and they have been known to beach themselves in pursuit of retreating feet. Instances are rare but you may want to consider footwear if wading in the shallows.

The tail of the stingray is armed with venomous serrated spines. The wounds may be painful and they are contaminated with animal tissue and foreign matter, which needs to be cleaned out. Medical attention for these wounds is a good idea.

Considering the great number of rays around, there are very few incidents of a serious nature. Wash the wound and clean it out thoroughly to remove venom and foreign tissue that may be in. Hot water may be useful in controlling the pain as well.

Millepora looks like greenish-brown staghorn coral with white-yellow tips. It has thousands of minute 'pores' through which it can poke its nematocysts (stingy bits). If it touches bare skin millepora can produce an uncomfortable burning itchy sting with swelling and in severe cases, nausea and vomiting. Apply cold packs for ten minutes.

The best thing while out on the reefs is not to touch any coral.

Any cuts inflicted below the high tide mark in the tropics is guaranteed to be infected within seconds - if not treated properly. Marine bacteria multiply with blinding speed and can cause an allergic response in some people.

Cleaning wounds is particularly important if an injury is more than a graze and it's early in the holidays, go to a doctor and get the wound cleaned properly. If it's the last two days of holiday and your out enjoying yourself, you can probably sweat it out and see a doctor when you return from the mainland.

Always clean wounds thoroughly and apply a disinfectant with an alcohol or aqueous base or one in powder form rather than a cream. Any lingering moisture in the tropics is bad.