Visitors to south east Queensland’s lakes are being urged to Play it safe this summer.
As part of Get Ready Week, Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle today launched a new campaign to encourage the community to take responsibility for their safety at Seqwater’s lakes and parks.
Mr McArdle said the Play it safe campaign followed the most extensive recreation review of the region’s lakes and catchments ever undertaken and would help make sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer on and off the water.
“Rangers regularly patrol Seqwater’s lakes but they can’t be everywhere, so we rely on visitors to do the right thing and follow a few simple rules,” he said.
“Just checking the Seqwater website before you go to a lake will let you know what activities are allowed and give you the latest information on how to stay safe, because should something go wrong you may be a long way from help.
“Queensland’s strong 30 year plan for the water sector – WaterQ – recognises the need to balance the responsible management of our water resources with the opportunities for tourism and recreational fishing.”
Mr McArdle welcomed triple Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Jodie Henry as an ambassador for Seqwater’s Play it safe campaign.
“Beaches have lifesavers and flags and pools have fences but there is no-one constantly watching over you if you’re swimming in a lake like Wivenhoe,” Ms Henry said.
“Queenslanders grow up learning about safety in the surf and in the pool but it’s just as important to follow some simple safety rules on still water.
“More than two million people a year paddle, swim and boat in the lakes and reservoirs around the south east, and just being aware that you need to respect safety around water can save a life.”
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Peter Dennis said a key finding of the recreation review was the community’s desire for more education about our facilities and factors they should be made aware of before they visited.
“Swimmers and boat users should know where they are allowed to go when they are in or on the lake,” Mr Dennis said.
“Remember that all maritime rules apply when boating on our lakes. While our rangers and Police conduct patrols, we need boaties to play it safe.”
Visitors are encouraged view the latest recreation and safety notices at www.seqwater.com.au/recreation/recreation-and-safety-notices prior to heading to Seqwater’s lakes.
For more information about the Play it safe campaign, Seqwater and its services visit www.seqwater.com.au .
