Bluebottles.

The Bluebottle jellyfish, but not really a jellyfish, (Physalia utriculus) is a regular visitor to Tasmanian waters, especially the east coast.  Of course, they can be found in many parts of Australia too and in other parts of the world but mainly on the east coast of Australia.

Bluebottles live in the open ocean, and they drift along according to the winds. As they drift downwind, their long tentacles float beneath them.

While the tentacles can give swimmers a nasty sting, they are not dangerous.

In the past I've spent many hours at the beach and in the sea and I've only ever seen two!

How to treat a bluebottle sting.

1. Do not rub the sting area.

2. Remove any adhering tentacles.

Rinse the area really well with seawater (not freshwater) to rid of the stinging cells.

4. Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (e.g. hot shower, as hot as can be tolerated).     

5. If the pain is unrelieved by heat, or if hot water is not available, apply cold packs or ice in a dry plastic bag.

6. Seek medical aid if symptoms persist.

The size of the bluebottle is typically 6 to 10 cm long, though it can reach 15 cm, with trailing tentacles that can grow up to 3 meters.

Photos from the Internet.