WaterNSW launches summer safety awareness campaign

In summer visitor numbers boom at sites ranging from Warragamba to the Upper Nepean dams in Greater Sydney, to Menindee Lakes, and across regional NSW, enjoying water activities and the sights and sounds of the state’s bushland.

In announcing a major safety awareness campaign by WaterNSW across its hundreds of square kilometres of publicly accessible land, CEO Andrew George urged the public to be aware of risks, particularly given the extended period of extreme weather and flooding right across the state.

“We think it’s really important for the community to be able to visit dam foreshores and water storages for recreational activity, which in turn helps attract tourist spending to nearby communities,” he said.

“This summer WaterNSW is encouraging visitors to our sites to be aware and check for risks that can come with outdoor recreation.

“At many of our dams and river systems there is likely to be flood debris, submerged tree snags and always the potential for weather to whip up dangerous surface conditions, just like any other large body of water.

“Water safety, including checking water levels, avoiding fast-flowing water, wearing the right protective gear, taking water and provisions, making time beforehand to check fire risk, weather conditions – and even whether the site you are setting off to is open to the public at that time – is as important now as ever.

“The great outdoors is great, but it’s still outdoors, so visitors should be alert to any risks you could experience when away from the familiarity of your regular environment.”

Featuring social media and educational material at tourist information centres and WaterNSW sites, the summer safety campaign is particularly relevant to first-time visitors, Mr George said.

“Even at the popular destinations, our dam foreshores are not patrolled - unlike many urban beaches and swimming pools - and so people take to the water at their own risk, as they would in any river or creek or remote beach across the state.

“The big attraction at many regional WaterNSW dams is the availability of large bodies of water for boating, fishing, swimming, and water-skiing so water safety must always be top priority.

Where the attraction is the serenity of camping areas or picnic grounds – even in Greater Sydney – the availability of picnic tables and amenities should not lull visitors into dropping their guard, Mr George said.

“WaterNSW is reminding people to take care so that an otherwise enjoyable day does not end in misadventure.”

To alert WaterNSW to any hazards or incidents, please contact 1800 061 069.

• For more information visit - Stay safe in the great outdoors
• Visit WaterInsights for dam levels and releases.
• For more information on WaterNSW storages visit: www.waternsw.com.au.