The issue of members of the public, particularly young people, entering or swimming in or near flooded waterways is of serious concern to Seqwater. The tragic drowning of Brandi Allen, a 12 year old Caboolture State High student, at Caboolture Weir in April 2009 highlighted the dangers of playing in and around weirs, particularly during flood time.The SEQ Water Grid, in conjunction with Seqwater, has launched the 2011 weir safety campaign, challenging teens to rethink the dangers of swimming in weirs and fast flowing water.
The safety campaign using the slogan “No Lifeguards here” has been designed to highlight weirs as secluded places that are not patrolled or supervised. The campaign has been developed with input and support from Hannah’s Foundation, Australia’s leading drowning prevention, awareness and support group, Queensland Fire & Rescue, and Emergency Management Queensland (SES).
The key messages of the campaign are:
- Swimming in weirs and fast flowing water is FATAL
- It only takes ankle deep water to knock you off your feet
- It only takes 60 seconds to drown, and
- It only takes one second to rethink your decision