Do It In The Loo… Not The Lagoon! New Campaign Targets ‘Code Browns’ At Popular Swimming Facility

At Mackay’s Bluewater Lagoon, a recent string of incidents has prompted council to flush out a new awareness campaign, urging visitors to keep what belongs in the loo out of the lagoon.

Since late September, nine faecal incidents have forced temporary closures at the popular facility, with each one carrying both a financial and social cost to the community.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said while the campaign may lean into light-hearted messaging, the issue itself remains serious.

“From today (Monday, March 23), we’ve got a brand-new campaign to keep the poo out of the pool. It might sound a little flippant, but it carries a very serious message,” he said.

“Every time there’s a code brown at our facilities, it costs about $3,000 – and we’ve had nine since the end of September.

“That’s a significant amount of money just to make sure the pool is clean and sanitised.”

The impact, he said, goes far beyond a simple disruption.

“There’s also the social impact of these unplanned closures – kid’s birthday parties, school events and family days out are all thrown into disarray.

“Each time the Bluewater Lagoon has to close for a faecal incident, it takes a minimum of six hours for our team to cycle and treat the water and re-open the facility.”

Bluewater Lagoon venue manager Kimberly Armstrong said the disruptions take a toll on both visitors and staff.

“It can get quite frustrating… People come here for a fun day out with family and friends, and that’s taken away when these incidents occur,” she said.

“We immediately close the pool, evacuate the area and notify the water treatment team to begin the sanitation process.

“There is also definitely a health risk, which is why we go through microbiological and scientific testing to ensure the water is safe,” Ms Armstrong said.

“It is an extended process, which is why people can be out of the pool for several hours.”

While the source of incidents is difficult to pinpoint, younger swimmers are often part of the equation.

“We’re probably looking at younger children, around two to three years old, but accidents do happen,” she said.

“Kids get busy, they get preoccupied, and they’re not thinking about going to the bathroom.”

With up to 300 to 400 people visiting the lagoon on busy days, even one incident can quickly disrupt the entire facility.

The campaign urges families to take simple steps to prevent closures, including teaching children to take regular toilet breaks.

As part of the campaign, free swim nappies are now available on site.

“If you don’t have a swim nappy, we’ve got them here — free until the end of the summer period.

“We’re not here to be punitive. This is about awareness and getting the message across,” he said.

“Swim nappies on kids are absolutely essential, and toilet breaks are absolutely essential.”

Mayor Greg Williamson and Bluewater Lagoon manager Kimberley Armstrong met to launch a new campaign aimed at preventing pool closures from ‘Code Browns’. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara