Holiday-makers told to brace for hazardous water conditions at popular summer destinations

Families travelling to popular waterways over summer have been urged to prepare for unsafe water conditions due to recent rain.

Travellers to a popular summer holiday area have been told to expect difficult and potentially dangerous water conditions over December and January.

The Murray and Goulburn rivers and connected waterways are at higher than normal levels due to torrential rain in October and November that could lead to trouble for holiday-makers planning to enjoy on-water activities, authorities have warned.

Goulburn-Murray Water said many of its waterways, dams and lakes were more full than usual, which could lead to a flow-on effect for holiday spots in the region.

Popular places that may be affected by elevated water levels include Lake Eildon and Rushworth in Victoria, Echuca-Moama at the Victoria-NSW border and South Australian Riverland towns like Renmark and Berri.

A water skier enjoys the popular Lake Eildon, where authorities warn unpredictable water conditions will reign this summer. Picture: Goulburn-Murray Water

“Many of our storages have received high inflows in recent months,” GMW general manager Martina Cusack said.

“Often these inflows carry debris into our dams and lakes that can cause problems for boaters.

“The high water levels will also cover vegetation that would normally be above the waterline.”

It was also important for those planning to swim to be conscious of possible changes to riverbeds due to flooding, Ms Cusack said.

“There may be snags and sandbars where there previously weren’t any, so it is important people are wary that not all hazards will be visible,” she said.

Boating has been banned at water storages that are spilling, with GMW advising holiday-makers to check its website before leaving to make sure they can go out on the boat.

“Boating is not permitted at these waterways, as the water running through them can create strong currents and can often drag people over the spillway where the water is particularly turbulent,” Ms Cusack said.

“To avoid disappointment, people should head to our website before visiting a storage to see what restrictions are in place.

“We will review our storages closely until they return to ‘safe boating levels’. We are eager for people to be able to enjoy them as soon as it is safe to do so.”