Published Thursday, 21 December, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
DANGER LURKING IN QUEENSLAND’S WATERWAYS
Swimmers are reminded of the dangers that lurk below the surface in Queensland’s canals as sharks become more active during the hot and wet summer months.
“As the weather heats up people are always tempted to swim wherever they find a cool place to take a dip,” Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said.
“I would encourage people to be more discerning as to where they swim. Swimming near river mouths, in canals, and artificial lakes and waterways is dangerous. These places are not patrolled and sharks are more likely to inhabit these areas.”
Mr Mulherin said bull whaler sharks were most likely to inhabit these areas as they were able to tolerate freshwater and often preferred shallow habitats.
“The bull whaler can be found far up rivers and in some parts of the world have been recorded hundreds even thousands of kilometres upstream. This is due to their ability to tolerate low-salinity waters,” he said.
“They are also extremely aggressive which makes it particularly dangerous to swim in these spots.”
“There are a few simple rules swimmers should follow to play it safe this summer including never swimming alone and avoiding the water early in the morning, evening and at night.”
To help people stay safe this summer, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is again highlighting a list of tips for bathers to help make swimming safe as well as fun:
• Swim or surf only at patrolled beaches and between the flags;
• Obey the lifesavers’ and lifeguards’ advice, and heed all sign and safety warnings;
• Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted;
• Do not swim or surf after dusk, at night or before dawn when sharks are most active;
• Do not swim or surf in murky waters;
• Do not swim in or near mouths of estuaries, artificial canals and lakes;
• Never swim alone;
• Never swim when bleeding;
• Do not swim near schools of fish or where fish are being cleaned;
• Do not swim near or interfere with Shark Control Program (SCP) equipment;
• Do not swim with animals.
“Patrolled beaches are certainly a safer option as shark safety equipment is strategically placed off 87 beaches along the Queensland coast. These beaches also have the added protection of having lifesavers or lifeguards on duty,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin said although swimming posed the most obvious risk, people engaged in fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing also should be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water.
“People need 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 especially when there are families swimming,” he said.
For more information about the Shark Control Program visit the DPI&F website at
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.
Media: 323 96530
“As the weather heats up people are always tempted to swim wherever they find a cool place to take a dip,” Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said.
“I would encourage people to be more discerning as to where they swim. Swimming near river mouths, in canals, and artificial lakes and waterways is dangerous. These places are not patrolled and sharks are more likely to inhabit these areas.”
Mr Mulherin said bull whaler sharks were most likely to inhabit these areas as they were able to tolerate freshwater and often preferred shallow habitats.
“The bull whaler can be found far up rivers and in some parts of the world have been recorded hundreds even thousands of kilometres upstream. This is due to their ability to tolerate low-salinity waters,” he said.
“They are also extremely aggressive which makes it particularly dangerous to swim in these spots.”
“There are a few simple rules swimmers should follow to play it safe this summer including never swimming alone and avoiding the water early in the morning, evening and at night.”
To help people stay safe this summer, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is again highlighting a list of tips for bathers to help make swimming safe as well as fun:
• Swim or surf only at patrolled beaches and between the flags;
• Obey the lifesavers’ and lifeguards’ advice, and heed all sign and safety warnings;
• Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted;
• Do not swim or surf after dusk, at night or before dawn when sharks are most active;
• Do not swim or surf in murky waters;
• Do not swim in or near mouths of estuaries, artificial canals and lakes;
• Never swim alone;
• Never swim when bleeding;
• Do not swim near schools of fish or where fish are being cleaned;
• Do not swim near or interfere with Shark Control Program (SCP) equipment;
• Do not swim with animals.
“Patrolled beaches are certainly a safer option as shark safety equipment is strategically placed off 87 beaches along the Queensland coast. These beaches also have the added protection of having lifesavers or lifeguards on duty,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin said although swimming posed the most obvious risk, people engaged in fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing also should be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water.
“People need 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 especially when there are families swimming,” he said.
For more information about the Shark Control Program visit the DPI&F website at
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.
Media: 323 96530