Waterways safety
In an emergency always call Triple Zero (000).
For the latest information and advice regarding beach closures visit City alerts.
When you swim, boat, fish or enjoy water sports with safety in mind, you can fully appreciate the natural beauty and active lifestyle that our beaches, rivers, lakes, canals and swimming enclosures offer.
Follow these tips to recognise dangers and stay safe in and around our waterways.
Council swimming enclosures
Our 8 enclosed swimming areas are located alongside playgrounds, barbeques and shopping facilities. They are popular with children and those who prefer calm natural swimming waters.
Note: The swimming enclosures are not patrolled. It is important to follow signage and:
- always closely supervise children
- keep clear of enclosure boundaries and underwater nets
- take care when entering as depth will vary with the tides
- do not swim alone
- be aware that marine animals may exist within the enclosure
- do not run or dive off floating pontoons.
Find out more about our enclosed swimming area network at Swimming enclosures.
Creeks, rivers, lakes and canals
Beware of hidden dangers, especially after rain. To stay safe:
- seek local advice before you swim
- check the current and water quality
- never dive or jump in before checking how deep the water is
- check for submerged logs and rocks
- stay away from waterfalls to avoid slipping
- beware of boats and avoid swimming near boat ramps or in boating areas
- look out for dangerous marine animals
- do not swim in the city's canal systems as bull sharks and other dangerous marine animals may be present.
For more information about our lakes and canals go to Constructed lakes and canals
Beaches
Twenty-eight of our beaches are patrolled year-round by professional lifeguards, and 14 more are patrolled during peak seasons and school holidays.
To stay safe at the beach:
- always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags
- listen to and obey lifeguards’ instructions
- look for and read safety signs
- always actively supervise children and keep them within arms’ reach
- do not swim at night or after consuming alcohol and/or drugs
- be sun smart and stay hydrated.
For information about our amazing beaches go to Gold Coast beaches.
During heavy rainfall, floods and storms
Severe weather can greatly increase dangers in our waterways. To stay safe during heavy rainfall, floods and storms:
- do not enter our waterways during storms, heavy rain or floods
- get out and seek shelter if you see signs of bad weather approaching
- monitor weather alerts for updates, warnings and emergency instructions
- secure boats and personal watercraft
- never drive through floodwaters
- stay away from stormwater drains and pipes.
For more storm safety tips visit Stormwater and floodwater safety
Tips for healthy swimming
Heavy rainfall can cause pollution in our waterways. Rainfall can collect pollutants from streets, gardens and farms, and flush them into our creeks, rivers and oceans via the stormwater system. Stormwater runoff can increase bacterial levels in the water and make it unsafe for swimming.
Follow these tips when swimming in our waterways:
- After heavy rain, avoid swimming at open beaches for at least one day, and do not swim in rivers, lakes and estuaries for at least 3 days
- Don’t enter water that looks discoloured, murky, or smells unpleasant. Other signs of water pollution include litter or debris, algae blooms and floating scum.
- Always follow advice on water quality. When pollution is detected in a water body, we will post information on this website, and we may install health warning signs to alert the public not to use the water.
- Avoid swimming if you have an open wound or infection.
To find out more about our water quality testing, predictions and reporting visit Recreational water quality.
What can you do to help?
For advice on how you can help keep our waterways healthy visit Healthy water environments.
Report water pollution
To report a sewage spill or other pollution incidents in recreational waterways please visit Report a problem – Pollution.