A man caught cooling down in crocodile waters at the Low Level Bridge today with his family has suggested the government build a crocodile barrier.
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Russ Dennis, a former Katherine resident who travels from Darwin more than five times per year for the cool water, said he was not worried about his family swimming in the shallow river.
But as a tourism boost for Katherine, the area, which sees regular swimmers despite Parks and Wildlife’s constant Croc Wise message, should be better protected.
“It should not be an issue to swim here, the government should block it off from crocs so that tourists can swim,” Mr Dennis said.
“It is a beautiful place, it is hot, what else can people do here but swim,” he said.
The Katherine River is home to a wide variety of species including some of the Top End’s 100,000 crocodiles – many of which use the flowing river to their advantage.
Parks and Wildlife rangers have captured about 20 saltwater crocodiles this year from the Katherine river system, including the biggest ever 60 year-old croc.
Most of which have at some point made their way past the Low Level swimming spot.
While the Low Level Bridge is not managed by the Department of Tourism and Culture, swimming at the Low Level is not recommended, Department of Tourism and Culture, director of the Savannah/Gulf Park Operations, Sarah Kerin said.
“We urge everyone to Be Crocwise at all times,” Ms Kerin said.
“Crocodiles move around all year, and sightings can become more common at this time of year as the wet season approaches and they are looking to establish new territory and mates.
“The Department of Tourism and Culture manages a range of beautiful swimming options within an hours drive of Katherine including Leilyn Falls at Nitmiluk, as well as Bitter Springs and the Thermal Pool in Elsey National Park. These are great places to swim and cool off.”
Mr Dennis, who previously worked as a butcher in Katherine, said he regularly sees other people swimming in the river – including tourists.
“It could be a great tourist spot here, and people are swimming anyway,” Mr Dennis said.
“Why not make it safe?”
