News Release - Safe water sports in canals

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/15390.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 Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[raefpud]

bad link, ??? but I think all jetskiiers caught breaking the speed or noise laws should be made to swim under 13 bridges with a string of mullet tied around their waist

[jockey]

Live mullet!

It says you shouldn't clean fish at the waters edge. Is he worried about crocs too now?

Safe water sports in Gold Coast canals
While the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging swimmers to stay out of Gold Coast canals and waterways, other water sports are still considered safe.

DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said while the threat of sharks made swimming in canals unsafe, these waterways provided an environment for the community to engage in other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking.

Mr Lane has received a number of calls from people wanting to clarify what water activities they can participate in and what to avoid.

“Obviously activities where part of the body is submerged in water such as swimming is dangerous,” 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.”

Mr Lane said people needed 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.

“As for swimming, bathers should go to one of the Gold Coast’s patrolled beaches which 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.”

Mr Lane said those people who would rather swim in a calmer saltwater environment, could make use of one of the Gold Coast’s 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.
9. Do not swim near or interfere with shark control equipment.

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

[propdinger]

point no 4
never swim alone
i think what he is saying with this one is least if there is more than 1 person you reduce the risk of YOU being eaten , so take your mother in-law with you she will hopefully be eaten first

[Heath]

PML