Play it safe on the water this summer

With more than 120,000 visitors to Lake Samsonvale each summer, Seqwater is urging people to play it safe.

Seqwater manages 21 lakes and recreational sites across South East Queensland, including Lake Samsonvale, and has just launched its Be Safe, For Fun’s Sake campaign.

Visitors are being urged to follow six simple tips:

• Always wear the right life jacket
• Always swim in the designated swimming areas
• Always keep an eye on your children
• Always look out for hidden hazards
• Always keep a safe distance and speed when boating or skiing
• Always check the weather and lake conditions before you leave home

Seqwater Executive General Manager Operations Fiore Zulli says Seqwater is expecting bumper crowds this summer and is urging people to monitor weather conditions.

“We’ve thankfully had no fatalities at our recreation sites this year, and we want everyone to continue to go home safely this summer and school holidays,” he says.

“As Queenslanders, we’re no strangers to a severe summer storm. Conditions can change quickly out on the water so it’s important you monitor the weather and check our recreation and safety notices before visiting.

“We urge everyone to stay informed, take warnings seriously, and avoid unnecessary risks. Your safety - and the safety of those around you - depends on making smart decisions.”

Mr Zulli says a day on the water, or at the region’s recreation sites, should be enjoyable and safe.

“We love seeing families and friends enjoying a day out at our lakes and recreation sites and our rangers will patrol the sites to help keep the fun alive,” he says.

“But while our rangers will be out and about, they can’t be everywhere at once. That’s why we encourage everyone to look out for each other, follow the safety signs, and report anything that doesn’t seem right.”

For more information

• Plan ahead – Seqwater’s recreation map to find the perfect site for your next visit. Discover what outdoor activities are on offer, including facilities and location maps

• Check recreation and safety notices before you leave for the latest information on conditions and closures

• Download the public safety app to access information about dam releases, dam levels and updates on recreation in South East Queensland

• Sign up for the free dam release notification service to receive notifications by SMS, email or recorded messages to landlines when gated dam releases are occurring, or un-gated dams are spilling.