Idiots risk lives in floodwaters

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ANGRY police yesterday slammed reckless thrillseekers who put their own lives, and the lives of possible rescuers, at risk in floodwaters in the Bundaberg region.

Bundaberg Police sergeant Mike McLellan said police had a very busy weekend, as days of rain frayed tempers and contributed to several fights and incidents of domestic violence in the area.

He said there were two examples on Saturday when police time and resources were wasted searching for people who had put their own lives at risk in floodwaters.

“The first incident was on Saturday morning about 8am when a jetskier on the Burnett River fell off his jetski and went over the barrage,” Sgt McLellan said.

“He was with another jetskier, but he was also having trouble controlling his jetski.”

Sgt McLellan said the man in the water was seen to be struggling, and trying to make his way to shore.

“Police received a number of calls about this incident,” Sgt McLellan said.

The jetskier was last seen about a kilometre below the barrage, struggling to keep his head above water.

However, police later established the man had made his way safely to the river bank.

“These people who play in flood torrents are putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk,” he said.

In another incident about 1.20am on Saturday morning, Sgt McLellan said a “very intoxicated” 27-year-old man had decided to jump into floodwater in a storm drain on Branyan Street near the intersection with Theodore Street.

A friend, who was also drunk, who was with the man lost sight of him and searched for him for about 15 minutes before calling police.

“Police began a search and eventually turned up the man unharmed,” Sgt McLellan said.

“The water in the drain was flowing very fast and in the darkness it is impossible to see obstacles and culverts you might run into.”

Sgt McLellan said the actions of the man had been very stupid, and he had put himself and his rescuers in danger.

“You just wonder what goes through their minds at times,” he said.

“This is another reason to highlight that people should stay out of flooded drains and rivers.”

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