JUMPING FROM JETTIES AND PIERS – Message From Barwon Coast
Please note a timely reminder about jumping from piers and jetties. It might seem like a harmless activity on hot days, however it is a dangerous activity that can lead to serious injury.
Summer holidays are almost upon us and we are seeing an increase in people under 18 jumping or diving into the Barwon River at Barwon Heads from the Public Jetty and William Buckley Pedestrian Bridge. This is often with the support of their parents.
Jumping into a natural water body such as the Barwon Estuary can result in a serious spinal injury or death. Tides and sand movement make the safety of jumping different every time. Water depths, sand bars and submerged debris and rubbish around jetties and bridges can change on a daily basis which makes water conditions unpredictable.
The key message is: Safety is everyone’s responsibility; please observe all safety signage and don’t jump from piers and jetties this summer. Find a safe place to access the water.
We have installed signage on the jetty and bridge advising that jumping or diving is prohibited but we are disappointed to find that they are often overlooked or ignored.