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Canberra Today 13°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Careful strokes for river folks

Murrumbidgee River Corridor acting ranger-in-charge Michael Maconachie. Photos by Silas Brown

CASUARINA Sands, Kambah Pool, Pine Island, Cotter Bend and Uriarra Crossing are the ACT’s most popular swimming spots.

However, according to Murrumbidgee River Corridor acting ranger-in-charge Michael Maconachie, there’s plenty of other river pools, a little off the beaten track, that Canberrans can also enjoy.

“There is a walking track that goes from here all the way down to Point Hut on the east side of the river and connects the Cotter, Kambah Pool and Pine Island, that’s about 25km,” he said.

“There’s many places along there, where there are nice pools.

“But you have to find your own way off the track.”

Although the track isn’t signed, Mr Maconachie has recommended areas including Red Rocks Gorge and, when there’s “a bit of water in there”, Tharwa Sand Wash.

“It’s hard, especially when the vegetation is quite thick and scrubby in areas,” he said.

“If you persevere you can get there.”

But safety is still the key when out along the Murrumbidgee River.

“The water levels have been higher than they have been during those drought years and people need to be aware of those big flood events that bring debris and move a lot of material around the river,” he said.

“People would know that we’ve had a couple of issues with some of the crossings on the river, with timber coming down and a road bridge in Tharwa damaged.

“We’ve lost foot bridges, so there’s an awful lot of timber.”

He said rope swings were something that swimmers should also be aware of, particularly after a recent incident where a swimmer broke their back.

“We do have a problem with rope swings,” he said.

“People put them up, but we are directed to pull them down.

“The problem is, if you didn’t put the swing up you don’t know how long that rope has been there, you don’t know how strong it is or will the rope hold you, so you have to be really wary.”

But swimmers need to be careful every time they enter the water.

“People have to be really careful when in the water with people going off rope swings, diving and jumping, you just don’t know what is in there,” he said.

“And just because last week there was nothing there, it doesn’t mean stuff hasn’t moved down.

“Walk in unless you have really checked and know what’s in there.”

Every week, the main swimming holes are tested by ACT Health for bacteria levels. If there are any issues with bacteria or flood levels, signs at the entrance of each swimming hole will show whether or not the area is safe or not.

But it’s up to each individual to take responsibility in reading the signs.

Dogs are also not allowed at Casuarina Sands, Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Cotter Bend, however dogs are welcome at Uriarra Crossing.

More information on the Murrumbidgee River Corridor at www.tams.act.gov.au.

[box]  Tips when swimming in the river:

  • do not enter the water if signage indicates the conditions are unsafe;
  • watch the flow – flowing water is stronger than you think;
  • never drink alcohol and swim;
  • never let children out of your sight and avoid swimming alone;
  • never dive into water if you are unsure of the depth; and
  • keep an eye out for submerged logs, other hazards and wildlife. [/box]

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