Irukandji warning: Three beaches in FNQ closed

THREE Cairns beaches have been closed to the public and the remaining on high risk after Irukandji jellyfish was caught at Palm Cove this morning.

A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokesman said Palm Cove, Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach will remain closed for the next 24 hours.

"One irukandji was caught at about 10.45am this morning outside of the nets but as a precaution the beach will be closed for the next 24 hours," he said.

"Lifesavers will then test the waters again tomorrow before the beach reopens.

"Also Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach have been closed.

"Irukandji haven't been caught at those locations but they have been closed as a precaution."

Lifeguard supervisor Jay March encouraged beachgoers to wear a wetsuit or other sting-proof clothing to reduce the risk of being stung this season.

"Those three beaches were closed to start with because they are all in the same cove and current pattern," he said

"All the other beachs in the area that are open they're all high risk at the moment," he said.

"We recommend people wear stinger suits in those areas."

Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguards have also assisted two women in their early 20s snorkelling between the flags on Green Island, this morning.