Keeping Cairns’ natural swimming spots safe for everyone

Cairns Regional Council has endorsed a new safety framework to reduce risks at popular natural swimming spots across the region.

The Inland Waterways Risk Mitigation Framework and Recommendations Report 2025, developed in partnership with Royal Life Saving, provides a plan to improve safety at six popular inland waterways and sets out the benefits and dangers of natural swimming areas.

Mayor Amy Eden said the Report is an important step to help locals and visitors enjoy Cairns’ waterways safely.

“Our creeks, waterfalls and swimming holes are part of what makes Cairns so special, but they also carry inherent risks. Sadly, we know this region has one of the highest drowning rates in the country,” Cr. Eden said.

“This Report gives us a clear plan to make waterways safer with better management, clearer signs, community education and, when needed, restricted access.”

Key Findings

• Cairns recorded 130 drowning deaths over the past 20 years, with drowning rates 3.2 times higher than the national average.
• More than half of the victims (54%) were born overseas, highlighting the importance of education for visitors and tourists.
• 75% of all drowning deaths were young males, with alcohol, drugs and pre-existing medical conditions contributing to many incidents.
• The Babinda Boulders, Crystal Cascades and Isabella Falls are the sites with the most drowning deaths.

The Report also includes community feedback which showed that many people use inland waterways year-round.

Sentiment shows the popularity of inland waterways is partly due to the associated risks at beaches and the appeal of free, natural swimming spots.

Of 513 survey participants, over half said they visit these areas while 16% avoid them mainly due to safety concerns.

Council has committed to a program of site-specific safety improvements, including:

• Enhanced signage and fencing at high-risk locations.
• Prohibition zones at Crystal Cascades and Isabella Falls, with community consultation scheduled for later this year.
• A consistent inspection and risk assessment process across all inland waterways.
• Ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate locals and visitors about water safety.

Mayor Amy Eden said working with RLSSA ensures a more informed and holistic approach to the management of inland waterways.

“Reducing risk in natural environments requires a whole-of-community approach. This is not about discouraging people from enjoying these beautiful places but ensuring they are fully aware of the risks and all possible mitigations have been explored,” Cr. Eden said.

RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry at Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, gave credit to Council for its proactivity in waterway risk mitigation.

"Drowning in inland waterways remains a major concern, with 34% of all drowning fatalities last year occurring in these environments nationally. Strong land manager leadership and localised water safety initiatives, as outlined in the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, are vital to reducing these preventable tragedies."

The findings of the Report will also feed into Council’s broader Aquatic Strategy which is currently in development.