Pete's Story: Interpreting the Consequences of Risk–Taking Behavior

Abstract

This article documents the initial evaluation of a trial “interpretive safety sign” at The Cougal's, a popular natural swimming area in Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. The interpretive safety sign details the consequences of risk–taking behavior in and around the cascades and rock pools at The Cougal's through the telling of a story of a person whose life had changed as a result of a swimming–related accident. The major objective of the study was to determine the effect the interpretive safety sign was having on visitor awareness and risk–taking behavior at The Cougal's. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 169 respondents, 63 of whom specifically included a swim as part of their visit to The Cougal's. Data interpretation suggests the sign is having a positive effect on visitor awareness about the dangers of diving or jumping into natural watercourses and on some swimmers' risk–taking behavior. However, data interpretation also suggests that the use of signs to promote awareness and appropriate behavior is still imperfect. While this finding may be more to do with the risk–taking propensity of some visitors, the use of an interpretive safety sign will assist visitors to make an informed decision of the consequences of misadventure.