Crocodile shock ‘we’re not going for swim’

A BOY has described his shock at seeing a crocodile in Townsville, saying he decided not to go swimming after the run-in with the monster. Watch the video.

A large crocodile was sighted swimming less than 100m from the water's edge at The Strand.

A FAMILY have described the ultimate Townsville experience — seeing a crocodile in the wild — in a sweet video that has gone viral on Facebook.

Members of a family visiting from Toowoomba described the moment they spotted a crocodile swimming in the water off The Strand in Townsville.

Saturday was the first day of holidays for the family and they were just about to cool off in the water when the crocodile, about two to three metres in length, made itself known.

The youngest boy Jake, told 7 News, it was exciting to see a crocodile on their first day of holidays.

“It’s pretty cool ... but we’re not going for a swim today or tomorrow,” he said.

His older brother said it was great to see the crocodile but “I didn’t want to be in there. It’s better to be on sand.

“I don’t think we would go for a swim now,” he said.

Their dad was all smiles at the holiday result, saying “I know a few people I’d like to throw in the water at the moment.”

Another holiday-maker from Hughenden, Melanie Pensini, photographed the crocodile from Mariner’s North Holiday Apartments.

“We’ve been watching it and it’s swimming along the beach between us and Longboards (Bar and Grill),” she said.

“The kids wanted to go to the beach this afternoon, I’m so glad we didn’t go.”

“It was floating there for a little while, it looked like a log.”

The reaction in Townsville to the sighting was mixed, with some saying the crocodiles should be culled and others demanding they be left alone.

Lindsay Ives offered a warning saying, “In the Kimberley when we flew over islands off shore, we spotted crocs kilometres out to sea. So if you go swimming in the ocean up there be careful more than just stingers.”

Rhiannon Matthews said: “Oh well this is what happens when they are allowed to become overpopulated.”

Daniel Porter quipped: “Quickest way to locate or find a croc is to put a tourist near the waters edge — apparently.”