Safety at our sites

General safety

Check that our sites are open

Before you start your journey, check our website for alerts and updates to ensure that the site you plan to visit is open to the public. Weather events such as storms, floods or fires can pose safety risks, and sites, or the roads leading to them, may be temporarily closed to the public while we make them safe again.

Details about each of our sites, opening hours, and the recreational facilities available can be found on the individual dam pages.

Flood safety

Recent flooding in NSW presents hazards on the roads, on the water and at recreational sites. Check the NSW SES for flood updates, the Bureau of Meteorology for the weather forecast and Live Traffic for major road closures.

Stay safe when driving to and from our sites. Roads and surfaces underneath floodwater can wash away, and may not be visible from the surface. Do not drive, walk or ride through floodwater at any time. Be aware of navigation hazards on our waterways as floodwater may be deeper or faster flowing than it appears and contain hidden snags or debris.

After flooding, the ground will be soggy, and the embankment may be slippery or may have changed. Take care when swimming and check the area beforehand. Diving into the water is not recommended.

Hazard reduction burning and fire safety

Before you head out, check the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for fire information updates, including total fire bans or planned hazard reduction burns. Recreational areas at WaterNSW dams may be closed on Total Fire Ban Days or when hazard reduction burns are conducted. Check for any site closures on the relevant dam pages.

Check the weather forecast

Whether you’re heading out for a picnic or a day on the water, checking the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecast will prepare you for the day. The BoM website includes forecasts, current radar and satellite information as well as observations including rainfall and river conditions. For boating, check the marine wind and tides warnings. Remember that the weather can suddenly change, so ensure you have warm clothes and plenty of food and drinking water with you.

Remember that on hot days, it is important to remain well hydrated to minimise the possibility of heat exhaustion. Take plenty of drinking water with you, wear sun protection and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid getting sunburnt. If you feel unwell, find shade, have sips of water and seek medical help if needed.

Road conditions and traffic

The Live Traffic NSW website provides real-time information about roads and changes in traffic conditions which may affect your journey.

Stay safe around the water

Safety on our waterways

For boating and water-based activities, it is important to understand the rules for using NSW waterways, to keep you and others safe. This includes following Maritime Transport for NSW signage and directions. It is vital to know what safety equipment you must carry, including life jackets or personal floatation devices, and flares. How to prevent and respond to incidents and emergencies must also be understood.

Life jackets

Life jackets or personal floatation devices are required to be carried for every person when using the waterways. In the event of an accident, a life jacket will keep an unconscious person’s head above water. It will also reduce the risk of hypothermia due to prolonged water exposure.

Supervising children at our sites

When children are playing, keep them safe by moving well away from the water’s edge. Always supervise children when around water. Wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device supports a child if they fall into the water.

Blue green algae

If there is an algae alert at our site, please avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings you into contact with this waterbody until the alert warning is lifted.

Potentially toxic blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, while contact can cause skin and eye irritations. Consumption of water containing algal toxins may cause liver damage and other health problems. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins. People who suspect they have been affected by blue-green algae should seek medical advice.

Updates and information about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by visiting our algae webpage – or calling 1800 999 457.

Stay safe on the land

Visiting our sites during or after a storm

High winds or electrical storm events can be hazardous. If you’re at one of our sites during or after a storm has passed through, the ground may be soggy, uneven and slippery. Watch out for falling objects such as trees, branches and rocks, and stay away from fallen powerlines.

Flora and fauna

While you’re enjoying our camping grounds, picnic areas, tracks and trails, remember that these are natural habitats for wildlife, birds, animals, reptiles, insects and spiders. Sometimes snakes are seen, especially in the warmer months. If you come across one, just calmly walk away.

The grounds may be covered with twigs, leaves and rocks, and they can be steep, slippery and uneven underfoot. To stay safe, look ahead and watch out for hazards or changes in the ground surface.

Drinking water

The raw water at some of our sites may not be suitable for drinking. We recommend you take plenty of fresh drinking water with you for your visit.

Mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito numbers are expected to rise this summer due to the extended periods of wet weather across NSW. A number of mosquito-borne diseases have been identified in NSW, most recently Japanese encephalitis (JE). See here for more information and advice on preventing bites.

First aid

Consider carrying a first aid kit with you to treat insect bites or stings, burns or minor injuries.

Crossword puzzles answers

Simple

Across- 4 dam, 5 sunscreen, 7 fire, 8 catchment, 9 platypus, 10 forecast, 12 outdoors, 13 children, 16 snake

Down- 1 Warragamba, 2 WaterNSW, 3 quality, 6 precipitation, 10 firstaid, 11 Cordeaux, 14 hazards, 15 lifejacket

Complex

Across- 4 dam, 5 sunscreen, 7 fire, 8 catchment, 9 platypus, 10 forecast, 12 outdoors, 13 children, 16 snake

Down- 1 Warragamba, 2 WaterNSW, 3 quality, 6 precipitation, 10 firstaid, 11 Cordeaux, 14 hazards, 15 lifejacket