News Release - Warnings still in place for canals

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/15974.html

The information contained in this document is distributed by the Queensland Government for information purposes only. All reasonable steps have been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. For more information visit the DPI&F Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

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31 August 2004

Swimming warnings still in place for Gold Coast canals
With summer just around the corner, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is reminding Gold Coast swimmers to choose patrolled beaches over canals, artificial lakes and waterways.

DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said with the weather warming up it was important to remind people that sharks made swimming in canals, artificial lakes and waterways unsafe.

“When it starts to heat up these spots are a tempting way to cool off but this could prove dangerous given the shark populations that now live there,” he said.

Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming there and he encouraged bathers to use the Gold Coast’s patrolled beaches as an alternative.

“This is a much safer option. There is shark protection equipment right along the coast and these beaches also have lifesavers on duty which adds even more protection,” he said.

“For those people who would rather swim in a calmer saltwater environment, there are netted bather enclosures at Jacobs Well; Paradise Point, Southport; or Tallebudgera Creek.”

DPI&F has compiled a list of tips for bathers to help make swimming safe as well as fun.

The tips are:

1. Always swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags;
2. Do not swim in canals or near a river mouth;
3. Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted;
4. Never swim alone;
5. Never swim at dawn, dusk or at night;
6. Never swim when bleeding;
7. Do not swim in murky waters;
8. Do not swim near schools of fish; and
9. Do not swim near or interfere with shark control equipment.

Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk in canals other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.

“People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do,” he said.

“However, fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing are safe activities but people should still be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water.”

For more information about the DPI&F Shark Control Program and how it is helping to keep Queensland beaches safe visit the DPI&F Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb


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Further information: Baden Lane Ph: +61 7 3224 2286
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI&F Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23