Our region boasts some of the greatest weather all year round and encourages us to use and enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible for a variety of pastimes.
With the temperatures climbing as we're heading toward our summer months, it's a good time to remind ourselves of the potential dangers we may encounter when looking for a cool spot to take a dip.
Crocodile habitat starts from Gladstone and continues through to the Torres Strait Islands and across Cape York Peninsula, well into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Estuarine crocodiles can be found in any waterways and the sea in this area, and they are certainly on the move at present as we are in saltwater crocodile breeding season.
So, let's remember to be croc-wise regardless of where you are throughout the region.
We're also nearing stinger season, with our October to May months seeing stingers at their highest numbers.
Our four patrolled beaches in the Mackay region include Eimeo Beach, Harbour Beach, Lamberts Beach and Sarina Beach. Beaches are patrolled weekends, school holidays and public holidays from the September school holidays until the May Day public holiday. When swimming at our region's beaches, remember to be swim safe and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
You can keep up to date with patrol times and beach conditions provided by Surf Lifesaving Queensland by downloading the SLSA Beachsafe app or visiting www.beachsafe.org.au
Council is committed to promoting safe swimming across our beautiful coastline. Through partnerships with Surf Life Saving Queensland, council ensures our four patrolled beaches are staffed during key times throughout the season.
Council also supports public education campaigns around stinger safety, croc awareness and beach conditions, helping residents and visitors make informed choices.
For those looking to cool off in a more controlled environment, council’s public swimming pools offer a safe and family-friendly alternative. With lifeguards on duty, shaded areas and regular water quality monitoring, these facilities are a great option during stinger and croc season.
However, please remember that wherever you are swimming, you need to be alert and aware, especially if young children are involved. Always keep them close and keep your eyes on them, not your phone.
It can take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a child to drown, and often it occurs silently, without splashing or cries for help, so please make them your priority.
We live in the Sunshine State, so let's enjoy what is in our backyard.
Scared? No. Cautious? Yes.