General News
22 November, 2024
GMW’s water channel warning
As the weather warms up, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is reiterating the risks of swimming in channels.
The water corporation manages irrigation channels across northern Victoria, which are crucial to the region’s agriculture sector and are not designed for recreational use.
GMW water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said people should not swim in channels under any circumstances.
“We manage approximately 6000 kilometres of channels and none of it is safe to swim in at any time or in any situation,” he said.
“Channels can sometimes appear safe places to swim in, but beneath the surface there can be numerous hazards, such as debris, pipes, drains, strong undercurrents, and submerged trees and rocks.
“Channel banks can also be slippery, which can make it difficult to get out of them, particularly for children.”
Flows in GMW channels are largely controlled by flume gates that automatically open and close depending on where water is needed and what flowrate it is needed at.
This means channel conditions can change quickly and without warning. People swimming in channels can find themselves suddenly fighting against currents and can even get stuck in the gates.
Mr Blyth said the only way to ensure channel safety was for people not to swim in them at all.
“If you are looking for somewhere to swim, public swimming pools are a much better option,” he said.
“Some of our storages also have passive recreation areas, which can be good locations for confident swimmers, as they are off limits to any watercraft powered by a motor.
“There are options, but channels are not among them.”
More information on the dangers of swimming in channels can be found on the GMW website at www.g-mwater.com.au/dont-swim-in-channels