The Nepean River is a great spot for a weekend on the boat, a dip to cool off, or a jet ski to get the heart pounding – and local police are determined to ensure this summer is a safe one on our popular waterway.
Nepean Police Area Command Detective Inspector Daniel Clements said Operation Riptide is an initiative that’s commenced this year in conjunction with Marine Area Command.
“We’ve got boats, we’ve got jet skis, we’ve got kayaks, we’ve got a whole range of diverse usage of the river, so it’s all about everyone having the chance to enjoy the river in a safe environment,” Clements explained.
Clements said the river isn’t unsafe when unpatrolled, but reckless behaviour can occur, and there’s a range of consequences for those who put themselves and others at risk.
“There’s warnings that could lead to infringement notices, and then there’s some potential… to go to court,” Clements said.
“It’s all about educating some people that are potentially new to the river and ensuring there’s a safe environment for everyone.”
The operation will run until the end of January, and police will spread out their visits to the waterway.
Meanwhile, when authorities aren’t in attendance, river users can take responsibility for their own safety.
“There’s a lot we can do on the river, like never ever go boating or fishing without a life jacket,” swim expert Julie Sheldrake said.
“Even a strong swimmer can get into trouble, especially if they’re washed off rocks or find themselves in a boating accident.”
More advice includes swimming with a buddy, supervising children, and sticking to non-alcoholic beverages around water to prevent incidents.
“Once you’re already in that situation there isn’t a lot that can be done because the water is often stronger than our own efforts to stay above it,” Sheldrake explained.
“However, there are such things as survival strokes like side strokes, there is also survival back float to try to conserve energy.
“I think that would be my biggest advice, to conserve energy and hopefully help will be there before the energy runs out.”
If an emergency occurs on the river this year, don’t hesitate to call 000.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.