Burdekin LDMG: Flood waters are not a place to play

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Lyn McLaughlin has issued a warning to adults to keep an eye on children during the wet weather after some had been seen playing in floodwater.

“Splashing through puddles may seem fun and harmless at first glance, but it’s a health risk that could result in severe illness,” Cr McLaughlin said. “Right now, and with more rain to come, I want to remind parents and guardians not to let their children play in flood waters. It can expose them to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.”

Children are especially vulnerable to the dangers of playing in the flooded water. They may not realise they have a cut or wound and they could contract an infection without realising it.

“With children, you have to be especially careful with it because they could easily fall in and drink it or there’s a possibility that the children could actually drown,”

For updates on disaster information please visit http://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/ and follow the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Coordination Centre on Facebook.