Playing it Safe

Playing it safe

Dams and weirs are great places to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to understand the hazards and stay alert.

When visiting our dams and weirs:

• read the signs for important information about potential hazards, blue-green algae levels and restricted areas
• stay aware of your surroundings — dams and weirs can release fast-moving water that can knock you off your feet and pin you underwater
• beware of hidden dangers such as logs, pipes and rocks
• take care on uneven and slippery ground, particularly close to the water’s edge
• make sure you have a permit for fishing in stocked impoundments
• don’t fish in closed waters — these protect swimming areas, endangered fish species, spawning grounds and fish migration
• stay outside the exclusion zone, which is 200 metres from the dam or weir wall.
• don’t fish on or near dam and weir walls – it’s against the law.

Dangers of trespassing

We restrict access to some areas around our dams and weirs where conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable. Signs and fences mark these areas.

Entering these areas puts you at risk and is against the law. If you trespass, you may be fined.

If you see unsafe behaviour, contact the police or call Sunwater on 13 15 89.

Live Dangerlessly

Think safety. Act smart. Stay out of danger.

Swimming, boating or fishing around Sunwater infrastructure can come with unpredictable and potentially life-threatening hazards.

Overflows and automatic releases can cause powerful currents or surges downstream. And under the water are any number of hazards, which may be exposed as water levels change.

Sunwater’s ‘Live Dangerlessly’ campaign calls for visitors to our storages to follow the warning signs and avoid exclusion zones within 200 m of dams and weirs – it’s the best way to stay safe when you’re out on the water.