In the interest of public safety, lifeguards conduct two stinger drags at Cable Beach each day during the beach season. The process involves sampling a section of water close to the shore and gives lifeguards an indication of the immediate risk of marine stingers. It does not clear the water, nor provide an absolute guarantee that there are no dangerous marine stingers.
The stinger drag results are recorded and sent to experts, for analysis. It is hoped that this information will one day give lifeguards the ability to accurately predict the presence of dangerous marine stingers in advance.