New safety rules agreed for snorkelers on Great Barrier Reef
After a spate of deaths on the Great Barrier Reef in recent months, snorkelers may now be required to disclose any health conditions before taking to the water.
Snorkelers deemed ‘at risk’ but permitted into the water will be made to wear colour coded equipment so they can be monitored.
The new measures aim to cut fatalities after 10 people died in just six months last year on the reef.
Tour companies and tourism officials had called for safety guidelines which were agreed after meetings with Queensland state officials.
At risk snorkelers will be given flotation devices and all reef boats will have automatic external defibrillators.
"Queensland has the largest recreational snorkelling and diving sector in Australia and we’re the only state to have specific legislation covering the industry but given the events of last year, which saw 10 fatalities in Queensland between July and December, we clearly needed an even stronger code of practice," said industrial relations minister Grace Grace.
Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators CEO Col McKenzie said the new rules are a welcome step.
"If we identify those who may be at risk, including people significantly overweight, with mobility issues or age-related conditions, operators can insist on certain things that will make the reef experience much safer," he said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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