Water safety in summer isn’t just about swimming between the flags at the beach: it’s about swimming in the designated areas in dams as well.
On the eve of the Australia Day long weekend, Acting Natural Resources Minister Mark Furner has reminded South East Queenslanders to stick to the designated swimming areas at popular spots like Lake Wivenhoe and Enoggera Reservoir.
Seqwater has worked with Surf Lifesaving Queensland to redesign its designated swimming areas that are now roped off with float lines to separate swimmers and boat and paddle craft users.
"The stillness of lakes can create a tranquil and safe feeling, but accidents can still happen if visitors get complacent," Mr Furner said.
"With two recent drownings in the Brisbane River, it’s important to remind people to play it safe."
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said the behaviour and safety culture of people visiting lakes seems to improve each year.
"During the recent Christmas to New Year break, more than 150,000 people visited our lakes and all the boaties breathalysed recorded no blood alcohol, which was great to see," he said.
"However, we still had examples of people operating personal watercrafts, like jet skis, without a licence and with people failing to carry required safety equipment such as lifejackets aboard their vessels.
"Seqwater rangers and police can’t be everywhere, which means people have to take responsibility for their own safety when they visit our recreational areas."
