Canberrans and visitors have been asked to take care when taking a dip in the ACT’s waterways this Australia Day long weekend. Photo: Andy Lowes.
Several popular Canberra swimming spots have been reopened following their closure due to elevated bacteria levels.
Recent heavy rainfall had resulted in poor water quality for parts of the Murrumbidgee, Cotter and Molonglo rivers.
After being closed for a week, the following locations have now reopened in time for the long weekend:
- Casuarina Sands
- Uriarra East and West
- Swamp Creek
- Pine Island
- Kambah Pool
- Point Hut Crossing
- Tharwa Bridge
- Cotter Campground
- Molonglo River boat ramp.
Murrays Corner is still closed for primary contact activities, such as swimming, as water quality testing on Thursday (25 January) showed elevated bacteria levels were persisting.
The closure will remain in place until further testing shows the water quality has returned to safe levels.
Swimming restrictions have eased for ACT waterways.
Restrictions have eased for parts of the Murrumbidgee, Cotter and Molonglo rivers that were closed to swimming last week due to recent heavy rainfall resulting in poor water quality.
The Australia Day long weekend is a time when more people are expected to flock to Canberra’s waterways.
An Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate statement urged people to remember waterways can be unpredictable, even in ideal conditions.
“No matter your confidence in and around the water … always take care when planning to swim, be prepared, and only swim to your ability,” it stated.
Safety tips for swimming in Canberra’s waterways include:
- Avoid swimming alone
- Always closely supervise children who are in or near the water
- Know your limits – consider your swimming ability and endurance before visiting waterways. If unsure, stay away from the water’s edge
- Always wear a life jacket when boating and fishing
- Understand the dangers – water depth in rivers can change suddenly, rocks and logs may be hidden below the surface, surfaces can be slippery and currents may be stronger than they appear
- Enter the water carefully and avoid diving
- Do not consume alcohol if you are planning on entering waterways or need to supervise children in or near the water
- Locate and keep a look out for emergency phones near waterways in case you do not have good reception.
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