Staying Safe In Mission Beach and Far North Queensland
Staying safe
We want you to stay safe while having the best holiday at Mission Beach. So here are a few things you should know.
- Safe in the Sun
We have beautiful sunny days here in the tropics, but our sun is very strong. To avoid an uncomfortable sunburn make sure you wear a hat and sunglasses and put on a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen (at least SPF 30) 20mins before going outside. Drink lots of water and reapply sunscreen regularly!
- Safety with the Wildlife
We have some wonderful wildlife in Mission Beach and we hope you get to meet some of our furry, feathered and scaly locals. But, there are some that are best admired from afar such as spiders, snakes, cassowaries and crocodiles. If you are careful, the risk of getting hurt is low. So, when you are out and about just remember that all wildlife is ‘wild’.
- Cassowaries
Feathered and flightless, endangered southern cassowaries are large distinctive birds that hold a special place in the hearts of Mission Beach locals. With glossy black feathers, blue head and neck, bright red wattles and a hard, distinctive helmet, you’ll know when you have seen one. Cassowaries can be aggressive especially if they are with their chicks. If you catch a glimpse make sure you give these birds some space and never feed cassowaries.
- Crocodiles
Tropical North Queensland is part of croc country and people come from around the world to see these fascinating creatures. They are living dinosaurs having changed little in millions of years. Crocs live in our oceans, rivers, streams and lagoons, sometimes hundreds of kilometers from the sea and they are most active at night and in the breeding season (September to April). Seeing a crocodile in the wild is, well, just ‘cool’. But … they can be dangerous if not given respect so make sure you’re croc wise in croc country.
- Always obey crocodile warning signs—they really are there for a reason.
- If you don’t know the swimming hole is croc free—then head back to your resort swimming pool.
- If you are a keen fisher, always stand a few metres back from the water’s edge and don’t throw bait and fish waste into the water.
- Stay out of the ocean and natural waterways from dusk until dawn.
- Admire these animals from afar—a selfie with a croc is just not worth it!
- Swim safely
We are blessed with beautiful beaches and tropical waterholes in the Mission Beach area and they are great places to cool off on a warm day. If you are headed in for a dip, then here are some tips to keep you safe.
• Never jump or dive into our creeks, rivers or waterholes—there may be tree branches and rocks that you can’t see from the surface.
• If the waterway is flooded then don’t get in—currents can be stronger than you think.
• Always follow the warning signs.
• Life guards patrol North and South Mission Beach during busy times, so swim where it is safest, between the red and yellow flags and never swim when beaches are closed.
• During the warmer months dangerous stinging jellyfish ‘stingers’ can be found in our oceans from Gladstone to Cape York. Swim in the stinger resistant enclosures at North and South Mission Beach and take the advice of life guards. Where there are no nets, wear a full-length Lycra suit to protect yourself from stingers and the sun.
In case of emergency
Should you find yourself in an emergency, then you can reach the ambulance, fire brigade and police by dialing 000.
This blog excerpt was taken from http://www.missionbeach.com.au/about/staying-safe/ check out their site for more information on Mission Beach
