Community

Water safety

Irrigation channels are an unsafe environment for diving and swimming, and both Murrumbidgee Irrigation and Swimsafe NSW urge the community not to enter channels under any circumstances. It is against the law to swim in channels, and the public is urged to keep children and pets away from these areas and to use public swimming facilities where possible.

What are the dangers in irrigation channels?

• Varying water depths, strong undercurrents, submerged objects and snakes are among the hazards found in our channel system.
• Following the automation of irrigation structures in recent years, there is increased danger of these structures trapping and drowning people. Regulator gates control the flow of water between different sections of channels, and most of these gates are controlled remotely and can open without warning.
• Siphons and pipes can create powerful suction or a water surge. Siphons allow an irrigation channel to continue under roads and railways and often can’t be seen because they’re under the surface of the water. They often have protective screens attached to them which help prevent the flow of rubbish and debris, as well as the migration of carp, through the channels. Although the surface of the water may look safe, there can be a strong undercurrent blow that even the strongest swimmer can’t escape if they become pinned against the protective screen.