Litchfield National Park Swimming Litchfield National Park has many beautiful designated swimming areas for visitors to enjoy. Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Walker Creek, Cascades, Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls are all great spots for a refreshing dip. As all these natural waterways are affected by wet season rains, it is important to check for closures prior to your visit. With heavy monsoonal rains (Oct - April), many of these sites are closed due to inaccessible roads, the risk of flash flooding and the possibility of Saltwater (Estuarine) Crocodiles entering the areas. After the wet season these areas are surveyed to determine the absence of saltwater crocodiles before being opened to visitors. Swimming is an enjoyable activity but remember these simple points to ensure the experience is a safe and pleasurable one. Safety and Comfort • Swim only in designated swimming areas - DO NOT SWIM in the Reynolds River or roadside creeks. • Read and comply with all safety and regulation signs on site - note closures. • Wear a shady hat and apply sun screen. • Children under 12 must be supervised by a responsible adult. • Always enter water slowly and feet first. • Glass is not permitted in all park waterways. • Never swim alone. • Recognise and don’t exceed your swimming capabilities. • Avoid fast running water. Avoid Serious Injury • Beware of submerged obstacles in natural waterways. • Never rush into cold water. Ease your body in slowly to adjust to the temperature. • Don’t dive or jump into pools. This could result in serious injury or death to yourself or others. • Walk, don’t run around water’s edge. Rock surfaces may be slippery resulting in a fall. • Keep an eye on weaker swimmers in your group. • Inflatable toys and floats should be used with caution and not be substituted for swimming ability. • Fishing is not permitted at swimming sites. Protect the Park • Pets are not permitted in the Park. • Take your rubbish away with you, including cigarette butts. • Don’t disturb rocks and natural features in the area. • All flora and fauna is protected. • Water monitor lizards are common in and around the pools. They won’t hurt you if you leave them alone. • Do not feed native animals. • Comply with all requests and directions from Park Rangers. In an Emergency EMERGENCY CALL DEVICE Community Comfort • Don’t mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of injury as you can’t react as well if you get into trouble. • Respect other visitors enjoying the area and behave accordingly. • There are Emergency Call Devices at Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls and Sandy Creek (Tjaynera Falls). • There is no mobile phone coverage throughout Litchfield National Park. Wet Season (Oct - April) • Stay out and away from water during thunderstorms. First Aid • A health clinic is located in Batchelor, east of the Park. Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory Park Office Ph: (08) 8976 0282 www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au • If lightning starts seek shelter away from large trees and open areas. Regional Office - Goyder Centre 25 Chung Wah Tce PALMERSTON NT 0830 PO Box 496 PALMERSTON NT 0831 Ph: (08) 8999 4555 Swimming in Litchfield Please observe the following warning signs throughout the Park. Crocodile Safety WARNING Only swim in designated areas. M00215CMPN CROCODI Wangi Falls VERY LOW Plunge Po ol Rock Face Falls Falls Wangi Plunge Poo l You are here 0 25 Scale 50m Y CROCODIL E RISK Managemen t practices reduce the risk of Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodiles entering th is area. • Surveys conducted prior to op • Trap(s) ening area. set outside the swimmi • Saltwate ng area. r Crocodile s removed • Report an wh en detected y sightings . to Parks an phone 0419 d Wildlife, 822 859 or use the Em Call Device ergency in the carpa rk. Platform Steps LE SAFET Crocodile Management Zone OPEN FOR SWIMMING Swimming C DANGER - D ON’T ENTER Wangi Falls P lu losed WATER nge Pool Crocodiles an d dangerous currents may occur at this time and can cause injury or death. • Keep away from the water ’s edge. • No swimmi ng. Water Safety s and logs, Submerged rock deep water s, ce slippery surfa s occur here. nt and strong curre us ca ed injury Accidents have . ath and de M0313PWCNT carefully. Enter the water dive from trees Do not jump or or rocks. k ledges Do not climb roc or cliffs. D/05/2015PWCNT ws. s and Wildlife By-la r the Territory Park Penalties apply unde In fo r m a tio n S heet For more information see our website: www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au or contact Tourism Top End (08) 8980 6000 or 1300 138 886 www.tourismtopend.com.au