Blue-ringed octopus warning
People are reminded to be on the lookout for the blue ringed octopus. A bite from the tiny octopus may be painless but can cause paralysis, and the person may stop breathing.
People are reminded to be on the lookout for the blue ringed octopus after reports of two being found in rubbish under the Rhyll Jetty recently.
In November last year, ABC Gippsland reported a beach walker at Cape Woolamai spotted a blue-ringed octopus at the dog beach.
In previous years, blue ringed octopuses have been spotted on Silverleaves beach and at Rhyll.
The octopus is normally found in rock pools, but can be washed ashore, still alive.
It should not be touched or picked up.
The octopus is extremely venomous and while a bite may be painless it can cause paralysis, and the person may stop breathing.
If bitten, apply a very firm bandage around the bite and then apply a second bandage over the whole limb.
Make sure the bandage is not too tight and cutting off the circulation.
Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance or take the patient to a hospital as quickly as possible.
If the person stops breathing, they will need cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
