A teenage girl has been discharged from hospital after she was bitten by a red-bellied black snake at Kiama’s Easts Beach.
The girl, aged 14, was walking up the stairs from the beach about 12.45pm Friday when she saw a small snake brushing the bushes beside her feet, she would later tell lifesavers.
Kiama head lifeguard Andy Mole said the teen noticed the snake’s distinctive colouring.
“It just nipped her on the side of her Achilles heel,” he said.
“She didn’t think it had locked on, as such.”
The girl walked about three kilometres to Surf Beach before seeking assistance from lifeguards.
Lifeguards saw two small bite marks on her ankle. They applied a pressure immobilisation bandage and called NSW Ambulance paramedics.
“I don’t think she thought it was that serious,” Mr Mole said.
“And I don’t think there was an venom [transferred] otherwise she would have been showing signs and symptoms when she presented.”
“But she probably should have called 000 straight away.”
Mr Mole said the incident served as a reminder to keep watch for snakes when outdoors in warm weather.
“They do tend to bask in the sun,” he said. “Be aware and make a bit of noise as you’re walking by. And call emergency services straight away [if you’re bitten].”
The teen, from St Georges Basin, was transported to Wollongong Hospital and was discharged later Friday.
Angela Thompson
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
