Cairns Esplanade: Swimmers caught on video same day as croc sighting near Machans Beach
Swimmers have been captured on video splashing in the ocean near the Cairns Esplanade, just kilometres from where a croc was spotted on the same day.
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Swimmers have been caught on video splashing in the ocean near the Cairns Esplanade, just kilometres from where a croc was spotted on the same day.
The three people swimming in the ocean off the esplanade created a bit of a scene on Thursday afternoon around 6.30pm.
Passers by were quick to mention how dangerous it was to swim there, because of the potential presence of saltwater crocodiles.
Also on Thursday, a croc was spotted near Machans Beach, less than 10km from the swimmers.
Surf Life Saving Queensland North Queensland regional operations manager Jen Rees said swimming near the Cairns Esplanande was risky.
“It’s highly recommended people use the lagoon pool for swimming, there are lifeguards there for safety. There’s no risk of crocodiles or marine stingers,” Ms Rees said.
“There’s no control measures in place in the water along the Esplanade, there has been crocodiles sighted in that area, you’ve got the mangroves there and we are now in our stinger season.”
Ms Rees said it posed the question of whether the city had enough signage for tourists.
“I do think the signage is adequate,” Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Amy Eden said.
“I go out of my way to say welcome to tourists and check-in. We can tell them, it’s not safe to swim there, its part of that hospitality of Cairns,” she said.
“Generally we do that because we are a tourist town.
“It’s just a reminder to continue to extend the Cairns hospitality, that’s what we are known for that friendly welcome.”
“You want them to have a good time.”
A council spokesman said noone should be taking unnecessary risks such as swimming in oceans or waterways at night.
“Council actively discourages people from entering the Esplanade foreshore area due to safety considerations, including the potential to get stuck in the mudflats, and the environment impacts on the flora and fauna,” they said.
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Originally published as Cairns Esplanade: Swimmers caught on video same day as croc sighting near Machans Beach
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