Summer safety warning: Don't swim in irrigation channels

With temperatures heating up and the arrival of the summer school holidays, Murray Irrigation is urging the community to avoid swimming in irrigation channels.

As inviting as they may seem on a hot day, irrigation channels are not safe for swimming, CEO Ron McCalman has cautioned.

"Irrigation channels are designed for water delivery and not for swimming or playing in," Mr McCalman said. 

"There are many hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface, and a quick dip could cost a life." 

Submerged objects and weeds, snakes and strong undercurrents are among the many hazards that make irrigation channels a treacherous place to swim. 

Murray Irrigation delivers water to customers seven days a week through its vast channel network which is largely controlled by automated regulators that can open and close at any time without warning. This means that currents and water depths can change suddenly.   

Moving regulator gates may also crush or trap people who are swimming at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

"We want children, families and members of our community to stay water safe this summer, so please steer clear of irrigation channels and find safer alternatives for escaping the heat," Mr McCalman said. 

"Unauthorised access to Murray Irrigation infrastructure and swimming in channels is prohibited, so please swim safe and stay safe this summer." 

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