Call to be crocwise

Kakadu rangers Ollie Scheibe and Doug Wade removed a 3.69 metres crocodile from Jabiru Lake recently.

Kakadu and West Arnhem Regional Council are asking community members to be crocwise and keep your family safe around all waterways, including Jabiru Lake.

Kakadu crocodile manager Garry Lindner said district rangers have removed six saltwater crocodiles so far this year from the lake, including a 3.68 metre male, captured within 24 hours of moving into the lake.
“Saltwater crocs can move into the lake undetected at any time and do. The majority of people, especially locals, do the right thing. But people’s safety in the park and the community is our number one priority and we all need a reminder to be crocwise – especially at this time of year when crocodiles are on the move,” Garry said.
“Being crocwise is not hard, it’s simple but potentially life-saving. For example, if your vehicle gets stuck on Cahills Crossing, call for help and avoid wading into the water. No matter how hot it is, don’t enter Jabiru Lake. We’ve had recent reports of kids swimming in the lake and an incident where a croc lunged at a dog,” he said.
“We regularly monitor the traps installed in the lake. But please don’t enter the water. The safest place for people to swim is at Jabiru pool or if you’re a visitor, at your hotel. Crocs will always see you before you see them. If out on a boat fishing stay vigilant – don’t clean fish near the water’s edge or from your boat, don’t reach into the water for your fish, be careful when launching or retrieving boats. Crocs love hanging around boat ramps. Remember in any body of water in the NT – crocs are probably present. And that includes our lake. We’re working with council staff to make sure that warning signs are in place.”
Garry said we all have a duty of care to look after each other, our community and our visitors.
“Sadly, no matter how many warning signs we put up there are still people who apparently choose to ignore the dangers. We’re still seeing some people entering the water around Cahill’s Crossing despite recent media reports which is really disappointing. Cahill’s Crossing is an area known for its crocodiles. Simply being in or on the edge of water is asking for trouble,” he said.
“We also need the community’s eagle eyes to report crocs to us and keep a look out for tracks and slide marks – this way we can try and reduce the risk of large crocodiles being present in populated areas like near the lake.”
Senior traditional owner Jonathan Nadji said Bininj were deeply disturbed by recent incidents.
“We have sadly experienced deaths on our country before and it is always a tragedy. When you come to Kakadu please respect traditional owners, rangers and the NT Police. Please take note of what NT Police and rangers say to you so you can keep yourselves and your family safe. Especially around this time of year with Christmas approaching and families gathering together,” Mr Nadji said.
“I want all families to stay safe on our country and in our community. When I go to someone else’s country I have respect for their country and customary law. I expect people to do the same when they visit my country. The last thing we want is for somebody else to be injured or killed by a crocodile, so please be aware of the risks they pose and keep your kids safe. Teach them to Be Crocwise.”
To report a croc simply call the park on 08 8938 1100. For more on how to Be Crocwise visit www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise or visit http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/plan-your-trip/staying-safe.html