Stay vigilant and stay safe is the message for the thousands expected to take advantage of Queensland’s dams and lakes during the September school holidays.
"Our dams, lakes and weirs are a hive of activity for family recreational pursuits, such as swimming, fishing, water skiing and camping,’’ Minister for Natural Resources Dr Anthony Lynham said.
"There’s nothing better than dropping a line for barramundi at Peter Faust Dam, enjoying the raft of water sports on offer at Tinaroo Falls Dam or having a barbie with friends at Wuruma Dam but visitors need to be aware that dams, weirs and channels might look calm but can be dangerous and unpredictable,’’ Dr Lynham said.
"Risky behaviour, underwater hazards, changing water levels and ignorance of warning signs can combine to create serious risks.
"At all times I am asking people to watch their mates to be aware of their surroundings when entering the water – including submerged hazards – and refrain from trespassing on private property adjoining the water way
"This safety message is especially pertinent with the September school break almost upon us.’’
In regional Queensland SunWater spends more than $1.5 million per year on recreation areas operations and maintenance across 14 sites under their management.
While SunWater has 19 sites across regional Queensland with management rights for five of these sites for recreational facilities now with local councils.
Visitors should:
- Keep at least 200 metres away from dam and weir walls or outside the buoy line upstream of the wall;
- Read the signs - they contain important information about water, recreational activities, potential hazards, blue-green algae levels and no-go zones and
- Stay aware of the surroundings - fast flowing water can be released suddenly from a dam, or weir and can knock you off your feet and pin you underwater.
Click here to find out more about SunWater’s extensive range of dam recreation facilities.
