ACT Parks and Conservation Service restricts swimming in local waterways

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ACT Parks and Conservation Service restricts swimming in local waterways

December 10, 2023

Aquatics / Parks / Recreation / Safety /

The ACT Government has advised that parts of the Murrumbidgee River and Paddy's River have been closed to swimming until Thursday 14th December due to recent heavy rainfall resulting in poor water quality.

Advising that the closures are due to poor water quality in some parts of the Murrumbidgee River and Paddy's River from the recent heavy rain, Executive Branch Manager for the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Stephen Alegria stated “water quality testing results have shown elevated bacteria levels and as a result the ACT Government has closed some areas of the Murrumbidgee and Paddy's rivers to primary contact (swimming) urge people for their own safety to please avoid swimming in these areas until water quality returns to a safe level.

"We're currently going through a heat wave so I know Canberrans will be eager to cool off in our waterways for a swim. But please remember, even in ideal conditions our waterways can be unpredictable, and you should always take care, be prepared, and only swim to your ability.”

Speaking yesterday, Alegria explained "all of the areas closed for swimming are still open for all land-based activities like walking and picnicking. If you were planning to head out for a swim this weekend to beat the heat, you may want to take the opportunity to check out one of the ACT's public pools or aquatic centres instead.”

Areas closed for swimming include:

Casuarina Sands
Uriarra East and West
Swamp Creek
Kambah Pool
Point Hut Crossing
Tharwa Bridge
Murrays Corner

Image: Casuarina Sands Reserve.

7th December 2023 - NSW Government releases draft Places to Swim guideline document

17th August 2023 - Review of Environmental Factors for upgrades to Lake Parramatta swimming area now on public exhibition

21st April 2023 - Royal Life Saving 2023 Aquas Awards celebrates leading the way to safer waterways and community participation

9th November 2022 - Swimmers told to stay away from Port Phillip Bay beaches as floods contaminate waterways

4th April 2021 - Lifesavers graduate from inaugural inland waterways safety program in Wagga Wagga

28th January 2019 - New ACT wetlands aims to protect environment and provide safe swimming

14th January 2019 - Cairns rescues highlight dangers of swimming in local waterways

24th January 2016 - 59 drown in waterways since start of December

15th January 2016 - Canberrans’ opportunity to explore the outdoors

18th December 2015 - ACT Parks highlights best local swimming spots

2nd December 2015 - ACT organisations back Royal Life Saving ACT for inaugural Canberra ‘A Day At The Lake’ event

25th October 2015 - Murray River the number one river drowning black spot in Australia

20th January 2015 - Swimmers urged to wear life jackets in inland waterways

11th November 2014 - ACT Parks and Conservation Service launches new accessibility program

28th June 2014 - 30 years of Namadgi National Park and 100 years of the Cotter catchment

14th May 2014 - 10-year review identifies drowning dangers of inland waterways

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