River and lake safety

Plan your trip

• Most rivers and lakes in NSW national parks are wild, remote and isolated. You may not have mobile phone reception if you need help.
• Check if there are any park alerts or closures before you go.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Ask someone who is familiar with the area.
• If you're planning to take watercraft, see paddling and boating safety tips.

Tell somebody

Give your trip details to family and friends who are not travelling with you. Tell them when you expect to return and let them know when you have returned. For longer trips or remote areas, consider filling in a trip intention form and taking a personal locator beacon.

Think before you get into the water

Stop

Check the weather depth and look for strong currents. Never swim alone.

Look

Look for submerged objects such as rocks, branches and debris. Enter slowly feet first and never dive in. How will you get out?

Stay alive

Have a plan in place. If in trouble, stay calm, raise your arm, call for help and float feet first with the current to conserve energy. Don’t panic.

Check the water and surrounding conditions

• Beware of fast flowing currents, undertows, deep water and sudden drop-offs.
• Water levels in rivers and dams can rise quickly after heavy rain or reservoir releases.
• Water temperature may drop suddenly and cause cold water shock or hypothermia. Rivers and lakes can be very cold, even in summer.
• During droughts, check for submerged hazards that may now be exposed and beware of poor water quality such as blue-green algae.
• Beware of steep, slippery or overhanging banks or paths especially near waterfalls.

Swim safely

• Always supervise children.
• River and lake bed conditions can change rapidly. Never dive in head first, or jump into the water, especially from heights.
• Stay aware of boats and other watercraft.
• Inexperienced swimmers should wear a lifejacket. Don’t rely on float toys and aids. They are not life saving devices.
• Never use tree rope swings, they can be dangerous and are often associated with serious injuries.
• If someone needs help in the water, stay dry and reach out to them with a stick or throw a rope.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when near water. It increases the risk of accidents and impairs decision making.

Cross safely

• Don’t cross waterways that are flooded.
• Check if the depth and current is easily passable for the entire group. If not, arrange a land or water transfer.
• In coastal estuaries, try to cross at low tide.
• Choose the best route, which is often the widest part of a straight section of the channel. As water spreads out it becomes shallower and flows slower.
• Bring a hiking pole or use a sturdy stick to provide 3 points of contact to help increase your balance.
• Cross as a group with the strongest person upstream to break the current for the others. Cross in a line holding onto each other's pack or with arms linked.
• Plan on turning back if the water is too high or too fast.

What to wear

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A wide brimmed hat
• Sun protective clothing. Remember that ultraviolet radiation (UV) levels can be high even on cloudy days.
• A lifejacket
• Protective footwear
• Wear the right protective gear for your activity. For example, a life jacket for kayaking and other watercraft. Get more advice on water safety gear

What to bring

• Insect repellent
• A beach umbrella or other sun shelter
• Fresh drinking water (2L per person). River and lake water may not be suitable for drinking.
• Food and snacks
• First aid kit
• Mobile phone or satellite phone. Download the Emergency Plus app.
• Remember to take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Blue-green algae

In some parks, high levels of blue-green algae can occur in rivers and lakes under certain conditions. Please avoid direct contact with blue-green algae in the water and as surface scum. Warning signs may be displayed when algae levels are high. Algae can exist in the shallow muddy bays and sediment disturbance in these areas should be avoided.