: News Article

Don't jump - NQ Water

07/01/2003

NQ Water is concerned the training regime of a local stuntman is being dangerously mimicked by children.
Black River motorbike rider Shaun Richardson’s preparation for the World Extreme Games in Sydney late last year included jumping a BMX into Black Weir off a ramp.

Since that time, there had been a rash of reports of children doing the same thing, said NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton.

"This sort of activity couldn’t be more dangerous," said Mr Hamilton. "The rule is, if you can’t see the bottom, don’t jump."

"Not only is what the BMX rider doing dangerous, he is providing a bad example. Kids are playing copycat. Where the rider had a portable ramp, the kids are building earth mounds as a launch.

"There are submerged trees, logs and other obstacles in the weir. The injuries over the years include one man being speared on a star picket and children being badly hurt."

The circumstances of the weir changed from day to day where rubbish, shopping trolleys and/or timber were dumped and no single area, anywhere in the weirs, could ever be considered safe, said Mr Hamilton.

"This sort of activity is an offence and our rangers have power under our local laws to prosecute and can issues fines up to $250," he said.

"This is one preventative measure. Parents also have to play a part and we urge them to be aware of what their children are doing.

"It may seem harmless but we have examples of children being permanently maimed or disfigured by what seems like innocent fun."

Meanwhile, NQ Water reiterated its advice to use recreational areas other than Black Weir for swimming and other water activities with the presence of low levels of blue-green algae.

There has been no marked increase in algal levels since detection last week.

© 2003 NQ Water