Warning signs may be placed along key access sites to the Clutha River, following a coroner's recommendation after a Dunedin youth drowned in the river at Roxburgh.
The matter is on the agenda for the Central Otago District Council's Clutha management committee meeting on Friday, as a result of the inquest into the death of Darrell Lee Joseph Walker (16), on October 11, 2008.
Otago Southland regional coroner David Crerar found the youth had drowned while swimming in the Clutha after getting into difficulties due to the strength of the water flow and undertow.
His body has never been found.
Mr Crerar suggested the council and Otago Regional Council consider placing signs and giving publicity to the dangers of swimming in the river.
In his report to the committee, district council chief executive Phil Melhopt said the Clutha covered 80km within the Central Otago district and the public could gain easy access in many places.
"Along the length of the river, there are many undertows, rocks and trees that increase the hazard of this river," he said in the report.
"Given the inherent nature of the Clutha, anyone swimming in the river exposes themselves to a significant hazard and there is a high risk of accidental drowning."
The first step to minimising the hazard was to discourage people from swimming in the river.
Warning signs and general public awareness, through advertising, were options to consider, he said.
Another way of reducing the hazard was to encourage and provide swimming education and water safety skills.
"Equipping people to recognise water hazards and learning aquatic skills for survival is possibly the most appropriate control method."
The council provided swimming pools throughout the district as a safe alternative to swimming in rivers, and it also provided swimming classes. Mr Melhopt said the river bank and river bed fell under the jurisdiction of the Crown, so access and signs about potential hazards were likely to be the Crown's responsibility.
He recommended the council should work with the relevant agencies to look at installing signs at key access sites along the river before summer.
As well, he suggested the council develop a campaign to communicate and reinforce the dangers of swimming in rivers, in conjunction with ongoing water safety and swimming classes.
