Launched today, the multi-channel campaign will showcase the four-time wakeboarding world champion on Seqwater’s lakes, to remind people leading into school holidays that being safe doesn’t mean spoiling the fun.
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said last summer holidays almost 700,000 people visited Seqwater lakes, with Somerset and Wivenhoe Lakes two of the top visited boating and watercraft locations, while Hinze Dam attracted a record number of day trippers exploring on foot, bike or kayak.
“This campaign is all about celebrating water fun at South East Queensland’s lakes and catchments, but central to this is ensuring everyone who visits, returns home safely,” Mr Brennan said.
“During this busy summer period, we’re urging visitors and locals alike to take a few simple steps including planning ahead, observing the rules for each location and only swim in the designated areas and ensure speed and distance rules are observed when boating.”
Campaign ambassador and Queenslander Cory Teunissen said that being involved in the campaign had been a fun way to convey an important message.
“Somerset and Moogerah are some of my favourite places to wakeboard in Queensland, so I was thrilled to get involved and encourage people to keep the fun alive in and around the water,” Cory said.
“I am constantly pushing the boundaries in my sport, but you will never find me out on the lakes without the safety essentials including a lifejacket and well-maintained equipment.”
Mr Brennan said while the region’s full lakes are likely to attract many visitors for boating, skiing, paddlecraft, fishing and swimming, the campaign was a timely reminder to enjoy these activities while playing it safe.
“When enjoying our lakes, remember that conditions change – the weather we’ve seen this year combined with high lake levels can bring submerged hazards like logs, so it is important to be on the lookout,” Mr Brennan said.
“While our rangers and compliance officers work alongside Maritime Safety Queensland and Queensland Police to undertake regular patrols, we can’t be everywhere all the time, so we are calling on visitors to do the right thing.
“Checking your equipment and the Seqwater website prior to visiting and knowing that rules apply on our lakes when boating can help everyone have a safe and enjoyable trip.”
Mr Brennan said several of the lakes are shared waterways and whether boating, swimming, fishing, or paddling, all recreation users should be mindful of each other, stick to the designated areas and check recreation and safety notices, which are available online and through Seqwater’s app.
The new campaign, a refreshed version of Seqwater’s annual Play it Safe campaign, will feature a video with Cory in action to run across digital channels, as well as social media content, billboards, pop-up displays at selected sites and an outdoor cinema experience at Lake Somerset during school holidays.
For more information about the campaign, Seqwater and its services visit www.seqwater.com.au.
ENDS
About Seqwater
Seqwater ensures a safe, secure and reliable bulk drinking water supply for more than three million people across South East Queensland, and supplies water for irrigation to about 1,200 rural customers. Seqwater also provides essential flood mitigation services and manages popular lake recreational areas visited by more than two million people each year. The organisation is one of Australia’s largest water businesses, with operations extending from the New South Wales border to the base of the Toowoomba ranges and north to Gympie.
About Hinze Dam (Advancetown Lake)
Hinze Dam, on the Nerang River, is the main drinking water supply for the Gold Coast region. It is one of Seqwater’s most visited locations and last summer, attracted over 92,000 visitors. Walking or cycling along the wall are popular activities. Other recreation activities on offer include: sailing, paddle craft, catch-and-release fishing (with a permit), electric-powered boating and horse riding.
For further information telephone (07) 3247 3000 or email [email protected]
