Qld: Play it safe on dams: police

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2007
Qld: Play it safe on dams: police

BRISBANE, Dec 20 AAP - More than 150,000 people are expected to flock to south-east
Queensland's three major dams this summer despite the drought, prompting a series of safety
warnings from authorities.

SEQWater and the Queensland Police Service today urged the public to "play it safe"

and around the Somerset, North Pine and Wivenhoe dams.

Boaties and drivers will be random breath-tested at Somerset Dam, while SEQWater rangers
will carry out inspections around the other dams and offer safety tips.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Fleming said police would be based at Somerset Dam during the
school holidays, targeting drink drivers on the land and in the water.

"This is not about stopping people enjoying themselves and having fun - it's about
ensuring people act responsibly and don't endanger others," he said.

SEQWater operations manager Rob Drury said despite the ongoing drought, more than 150,000
people were expected to visit and vacation at recreation areas across SEQWater dams over
the school holidays.

"The majority of our visitors are very well behaved and make the most of our facilities,
but in previous years there have been a small number whose behaviour has had the potential
to put others at risk," Mr Drury said.

The most common types of accidents around the dams involve excessive alcohol consumption,
water sports such as skiing and jet skiing and swimming in non-designated areas.

Other accidents have been caused by boating or fishing after dusk, speeding in designated
six-knot zones, submerged hazards and boats or trailers being towed with children on board.

Wivenhoe and Somerset dams allow a range of recreational activities including camping,
fishing and swimming.

Only Somerset allows fuel-powered boats and jet skis.

The combined storage level of the three dams is just over 20 per cent.

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KEYWORD: DAMS

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