‘Swimmability’: A key element for communities to safely engage with Australian urban rivers

Abstract

Australia’s largest cities are growing, and this is placing increasing pressure on urban waterways. There is a growing awareness that the quality of life in Australian urban communities is enhanced through the engagement of people with healthy urban rivers. Swimming, boating, and fishing in many Australian urban waterways are popular recreational activities. Swimming and other activities associated with waterways contributes to quality of life in urban communities. Swimming in urban rivers can be risky. Hazards include dangerous currents, aquatic plants, submerged hazards, algal blooms, and unsuitable water quality. In Sydney, Australia’s largest City, swimming is popular in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. Data from showed that E. coli levels in the river occasionally exceeded safe recreational guidelines for human health. The results are not reported to the public. We believe that it is more important than ever that government, industry and scientific bodies work to protect and improve the water quality of Australian urban rivers as our cities grow. Sharing this information with the community needs to consider education programs, public forums, and timely communication of the current state of local Australian urban rivers regarding their ‘swimmability’.