Pool health risk doesn't halt swimmers

Swimmers at Whangarei Falls are not deterred by health risks.

Warnings about contaminated water and a no-diving rule are little deterrent to swimmers at a popular Whangarei recreation and tourist spot.

Ducks, dogs, tots and teenagers have been cooling off in the top pool at Whangarei Falls over the past weeks of blistering sunshine, despite permanent signs saying the water isn't fit to swim in.

Whangarei Falls is one of two freshwater sites in Northland currently flagged as code red after findings by Northland Regional Council's (NRC) routine testing. The other is the river crossing at the Department of Conservation-managed Mangamuka Scenic Reserve, south of Kaitaia.

Permanent signs at the falls warn swimmers of the health risk due to on-going high levels of E.coli contamination - gastrointestinal illness (tummy upsets), cold and flu-like symptoms, and skin, eye and ear infections.

But the warning isn't enough to deter some, while a "no diving" sign because of submerged rocks is also openly flouted, with an old totara tree providing several levels of "diving boards" for thrillseekers.

"We've always done this," said one of a group of young daredevils shimmying up the tree to take his turn to leap into the pool below.

The Whangarei District Council, which put up the signs, says they are a recommendation only. Whether people choose to follow the advice is a matter of personal choice, said Simon Weston, WDC group manager infrastructure and services.

"Some people feel that they know the area well enough that they can manage any safety risks themselves, and they are entitled to do so," Mr Weston said.

"However, we can't warn people strongly enough of the perils of jumping from the falls. What seems like a bit of fun one moment can result in a lifetime of serious disability or even death. Young people will be young people but the message is, don't jump."

Other safety measures include fencing where possible, but the council is careful not to destroy the natural qualities that make the falls one of the district's top visitor destinations, Mr Weston said.

Two Tikipunga residents have told the Northern Advocate they are concerned that people are ignoring the warning not to swim there. No reports of illness have been directly linked to swimming at the falls.

Elizabeth Taipari, who was swimming there with 4-year-old Manaaki on Monday, said locals had few concerns about the water quality.

"We're either immune or it's not bad for us. We've been coming here for years and I don't know of anyone getting sick," Ms Taipari said.

Weekly council tests of 47 coastal and 13 freshwater sites began on November 24 and will continue until February 16.

Senior programme manager Colin Dall said the Whangarei Falls contamination most likely came from upstream farmland run-off, not human faecal matter. If other serious bacteria were identified at any tested sites, investigation would be needed to find the source.