Swimmers Should Still Avoid Canals In Winter
24 May, 2004

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is advising bathers to still avoid swimming in Gold Coast canals and waterways during the winter months.

DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said swimmers should not be fooled into thinking that sharks were not active during the cooler weather.

Mr Lane said visitors to Queensland should be particularly aware of the dangers of swimming in canals and waterways.

“Because Queensland is a lot warmer than the southern states, during winter we tend to get a lot of visitors who make the most of the milder climate and do a lot of swimming and water sports,” he said.

“The reality is sharks are still active during winter and people should still be cautious.”

Mr Lane said those people wanting to swim during the winter months should swim at one of the Gold Coast’s patrolled beaches.

“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.

“Alternatively, for people who would rather swim in a calmer saltwater environment, they can 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; and
9. Don 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

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Baden Lane (07) 3224 2286
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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