Ignorant swimmers face fines at iconic waterhole

NO EXCUSES

Michael Warren

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Park rangers monitoring Josephine Falls won't hesitate to issue fines if swimmers are in restricted areas. Pictured: Submitted

Irresponsible swimmers who push the limits at an iconic FNQ waterhole will continue to face a hit to the hip pocket as fed-up responders say, ‘enough is enough’.

In recent days attending units have been run off their feet as they respond to swimmers getting into dangerous situations at both Mossman Gorge and Josephine Falls.

Recent rescue missions at Josephine Falls, in particular, has prompted a stern reminder about the consequences for those who simply turn a blind eye to safe behaviour practices.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Emergency and Queensland Ambulance service have given a clear ultimatum – ignore signs, directions or consider entering restricted swimming areas at Josephine falls – and you’ll be coughing up cash.

“You don’t need that selfie. You don’t need to jump off that big rock. You don’t need to show how brave and fearless you are. It’s never worth it,” QPWS Senior Ranger Roger James reiterated to Newsport.

“Every time another person gets injured or dies, we have to consider additional measurers like further restrictions or closures and impacts on the natural environment to put in more barriers and signs and issue more fines – and nobody wants that.

“Park rangers carry out regular patrols of the falls area (at Josephine Falls) and we won’t hesitate to issue a directive to leave or fine anyone caught ignoring the signs and climbing the barriers.

“A $431 fine does hurt, but it’s nothing compared to what could happen. We don’t want to make a call to anyone’s family to advise that they have been seriously or fatally injured.”

In the past three months, QPWS has ordered more than 20 people to leave the park and issued six $431 on-the-spot fines to visitors that were caught on the wrong side of the fence at (Josephine) falls.

In the same time period, there were three serious incidents that required emergency assistance, resulting from people entering off-limits areas within the national park.

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