Community
10 February, 2025
Dangers of swimming
EMERGENCY service and tourism leaders are pleading with locals and visitors to exercise extreme caution after six deaths in a year at popular swimming spots in the Far North.
The Queensland Police Service, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, State Emergency Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have issued the plea, saying the sudden deaths, not only have deep and lasting impacts on friends and family, but the wider community and first responders.
Far North district officer Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said the police wanted “everyone living in, and visiting our community to feel safe, and enjoy the natural wonders the Far North has to offer”.
“These tragic deaths often occur in terrain where it’s difficult to conduct rescue and retrieval operations, putting first responders at risk,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to go home to their loved ones at the end of the day and we need the community’s help to keep everyone safe.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the region’s stunning freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls were a key attraction for visitors but it was essential they stayed safe.
“Tourism Tropical North Queensland has partnered with Queensland Parks and Wildlife and our local emergency services to produce safety videos in English, Chinese and Japanese which we will all house on our websites to help educate visitors and the community about water safety,” he said.
“We encourage visitors who are not comfortable swimming on their own to join a tour so that they can safely visit our beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes.”
Queensland Fire and Rescue Chief Superintendent Adam Gwin said people often underestimated the hazards associated with visiting and swimming at waterfalls.
“… sadly, our firefighters witness the consequences of this far too often,” he said.
“With recent rainfall increasing the flow and force of local catchments, the risks are increased.
“Many of these incidents can be avoided by staying on designated paths and board walks, swimming within designated areas and being aware of water levels and currents.”
State Emergency Service area controller Chris Watts said peopled needed to be aware of the hazards. The wild nature of the environment, which make these areas attractive, also presents risks, some which are easily recognisable, some which are not.
“We encourage everyone to stay on tracks and trails and be aware of the slippery and uneven nature of the terrain, especially around waterways and waterfalls.
Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Jo Selby said ‘despite our rigorous training alongside fellow agencies, rescues in these difficult terrains are a challenge both mentally and physically for emergency services’.
“We urge all Queenslanders to make safety their priority when using our beautiful waterways, download the Emergency Plus app so we can locate you in an emergency,” she said.
