Kids told to stay out of flooded drains
PORT DOUGLAS
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COMMUNITY leaders have issued a warning to parents about children playing in storm water drains and floodwater.
It’s believed up to 10 children were spotted playing in floodwater near Ferndale Lake in Port Douglas yesterday where a 3.5m crocodile is currently evading capture.
The crocodile created international headlines recently when it walked onto a resident’s doorstep near the lake. A floating trap has so far been unsuccessful in removing it.
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Port Douglas State School (PDSS) Principle Ken Schaumberg said the recent downpour was a timely reminder for parents to be watchful.
“Kids can get excited when there is a lot of water flying around but it’s something that can lead to disaster very quickly,” Mr Schaumberg said.
“They really need to keep out of it and not underestimate the forces of nature.
“Floodwater creates canals of water that allows crocodiles to be able to come up onto the street and residential areas, and there is also pipes and all sorts of nasty stuff under the surface.
“You just don’t know what’s in the water.”
A group of boys were seen riding bikes 'with boogie boards' through flooded pathways along Ferndale Lake yesterday.
"Parents PLEASE be aware of where your kids are in the afternoons and speak to them about being CROC WISE!," the PDSS P&C committee posted on Facebook yesterday.
"Crocs are on the move during wet season and one could very well be under the water right on the path without anyone being able to see before it’s too late."
Acting Sergeant Maggie Meadows from Port Douglas Police said it was important parents knew where their kids were at all times.
“If something was to happen to a child we’d need to know where they were pretty quickly,” Acting Sergeant Meadows said.
“Storm water drains and floodwater can have dire consequences for children. It can be a deadly mix.”
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection said the recent rain meant crocodiles and snakes could turn up unexpectedly in flooded areas.
“Crocodiles prefer calmer waters and they may well be on the move as they search out a quiet place where they can wait for the floodwaters to recede,” Northern Wildlife Operations Manager Dr Matt Brien said.
“Similarly, snakes are good swimmers and they too may turn up in unexpected places."
More than 150mm of rain was recorded in parts of the Douglas Shire in the last 24 hours with more showers expected later today.
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