With summer holidays approaching, Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) has this week launched its water safety campaign for water storages and channels - urging locals and visitors to be as vigilant around water as they would be around major roads and highways.
G-MW Manager - Modernised Irrigation Business, Kevin Preece said channels, like major roads and highways, are vital delivery routes – in this case, designed to deliver water as efficiently as possible. They are not safe locations to swim or play.
“We don’t allow our children, pets or stock out onto a busy road and we need to adopt the same approach to safety with our channels and dams,” said Mr Preece.
The campaign represents an ongoing effort to increase the awareness of water safety in regional areas.
“Our storages are at the highest levels we’ve seen in a decade, creating great opportunities for boating, skiing and swimming, but its important to understand the risks, check and adhere to boating speed restrictions and for swimmers avoid diving into unknown waters,” Mr Preece added.
“The reality is all channels and dams are potentially dangerous. Hazards, such as pipes, siphons, rocks and debris are often concealed beneath the surface. Water levels and conditions can change without obvious signs or warning that could easily result in serious injuries or in the worst possible scenario, death.” warned Mr Preece.
G-MW is encouraging members of the community to swim at local public pools and adopt safe swimming practices at water storages, including not swimming alone or while intoxicated.
For further information on water safety and summer activities for children, visit G-MW’s website at www.g-mwater.com.au.
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Media Contact: Alice Milner
Position: Communications Adviser – Retail Information Services
Telephone: 03 5826 3706
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Water safety advertisements
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