Summer in South East Queensland is all about sunshine, relaxation, and cooling off in our beautiful beaches, creeks, and rivers. Before you grab your towel and head out, it’s worth taking a few simple precautions to make sure your day stays fun and healthy.

Enjoy our waterways safely this summerOur waterways are generally clean and safe, but nature can be unpredictable. Heavy rain, for example, can wash pollutants into rivers and creeks, making them less suitable for swimming for a short time. So, what can you do to keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying the water?

1. Check before you splash

Take a quick look at the water before diving in. If it looks discoloured, smells strange, or has floating debris, it’s best to give it a miss. These can be signs of pollution that might cause stomach upsets or infections.

2. Avoid stormwater drains and floodwaters

Stormwater drains might seem harmless, but they can carry all sorts of nasties into the water. And floodwaters? Definitely off-limits. They’re unpredictable and often contaminated.

3. Wait after rain

Rainfall can cause sewer overflows and wash pollutants into waterways. A good rule of thumb: avoid beaches and open waterways for at least one day after heavy rain, and steer clear of creeks, lakes, and rivers for three days. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

4. Follow the signs

The Healthy Waterplay program is an initiative supported by a host of partners across the region. It was established to inform and protect against the risks of water pollution when you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, creeks and rivers.

Find out more about the Healthy Waterplay program.

Healthy Land & Water’s Healthy Waterplay initiative is a collaboration supported by the Queensland Government, local councils, water utilities, universities, and other relevant organisations.