Murky waters, but responsibility on individuals
MOSSMAN GORGE
A range of Douglas Shire stakeholders including local residents have questioned the rationale as to why the Mossman Gorge main swimming hole remained opened last Friday amidst heavy rain and dangerous swimming conditions.
As it stands a woman remains missing in waters at the gorge after going swimming there just before 2pm last Friday. A Police spokesperson told Newsport moments ago four 'items of interest' have been discovered during the ongoing search for the missing woman.
Last Friday the gorge and its surrounds experienced heavy rainfall, which made swimming increasingly dangerous because of rising waters and unpredictable currents.
First responders also performed two other separate water rescues at the same location in preceding days, prior to last Friday including that of a mother and child who were extremely lucky to be rescued after becoming stranded in the same waters.
The issue of exactly who provides the duty of care and permits swimmers to swim at the gorge when weather at the main swimming hole is dangerous and non-favourable is, at best, murky.
However, Newsport understands that the onus of responsibility sits with any individual and the personal decision that a person(s) makes to swim or not swim at the gorge in poor weather.
That is, while Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre still might run shuttles to and from the gorge in rainy conditions that’s where their involvement and specific ‘duty of care’ responsibilities, finishes.
They simply run shuttles to and from the main swimming hole, however they do not have staff that monitors those that swim there.
Ultimately responsibility seems to fall on each individual and the choice they make to swim or not swim there on rainy days and in bad conditions.
If weather conditions for swimming at the gorge aren’t ideal or potentially dangerous Newsport understands National Parks can choose to make the decision to close the national park area in which the main gorge swimming area is situated.
Some view the gorge situation as no differently to people taking a bus to the beach and then making decisions to go swimming when there are dangerous rips, or stormy weather.
Mossman Gorge offered a respectful “no comment” when approached by Newsport for comment about this story earlier today.
A number of signs and warnings are placed at the gorge to inform water lovers of the dangers of swimming at the gorge in bad weather. Mossman Gorge also has information about safe swimming on their website.
Public reaction
A concerned Newsport reader vented her concerns about the issue.
“This time of the year there should be a person there stopping visitors from swimming,” the reader suggested to Newsport.
“Signs are not working.
“Water levels as we know can rise rapidly and people get stuck. Not the first time.
“Something to seriously consider for Gorge operators.”
Social media
Newsport’s Facebook pages have also been busy with a lot of different reactions regarding swimming at Mossman Gorge in bad weather.
"Why was the gorge open when mossman has had so much rain? – one poster asked."
"Isn’t it open for walking? There are signs everywhere saying no swimming and considering it is a source of income for the community there they can’t close the walking tracks every time it rains,” another posted wrote.
“Yes, walking the track was fine today but so many people ignoring the no swim signs. We were stood watching people actually jumping into the rapids,” a third person revealed.
*Newsport understands and recognises the current sensitivity of this ongoing story and topic. In no way does the publishing of this story mean to cause any offence or distress to anyone. Newsport apologises in advance if any readers take offence to any of the contents in this story.
What do you think? Tell us your views in the comment section below or on our Facebook page.
Thank you!
Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.
Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.