Another tragic drowning at a notoriously dangerous swimming hole has once again raised questions about how much can really be done to make remote Australia ‘safe’.
Over the past 50 years, around 20 people have died at the popular spot of Babinda Boulders in Far North Queensland.
Back in 2008, fencing and warning signs at the site were significantly improved after the death of a swimmer.
Nonetheless, there were two separate drowning as the spot last year, and police have just located the body of a 19-year-old woman who went missing at Devil’s Pool there yesterday morning after she slipped and went under the water.
Cairns Regional Councillor Brett Moller said the event was ‘tragic’ but said a lot had been done to prevent drownings since the 2008 incident.
“There was a coroner’s report and everything was implemented, but still since then we’ve had a number of tragedies up there,” he told the ABC. “We’ve improved the signage, we’ve improved the fencing and there is a clear restricted area but people disregard those signs and have no understanding of personal risk there.”
Mr Moller said the latest incident was particularly unfortunate coming so close to Christmas.
“These things do happen in the natural environment and you’ve just got to be so aware of your own personal safety,” he told the ABC. “It’s wonderful scenery, the ferocity of the water through those big granite boulders makes it an amazing place, and completely safe on the paths and on the viewing deck.”
Sadly, these sorts of tragedies at some of Australia’s remote and rugged beauty spots are a regular occurrence, and authorities have said that erecting fencing is something they reluctantly feel they have to do.
We always have a “noodle” with us. Water can be very cold, causing cramps etc.
There is nothing more Authorities can do or need to do. Adults need to take responsibility for themselves and they also need to take responsibility for their children. It’s tragic, but this is what happens in life.
dead right
Such a shame to hear another life has been lost. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how many signs and warnings you put there will always be some that choose not to listen. Whether its speeding in cars, drinking too much and being reckless, or in this case swimming where/when they shouldn’t, people will always ignore basic safety advise if it doesn’t support what they want to do. Hopefully moving forward people will learn to be more responsible and tragedies like this can be prevented.
simple , solution.