Community
9 October, 2024
Four Mile’s croc shock
THE sighting of a four-metre crocodile at Four Mile Beach last week had beachgoers and Douglas Shire residents alarmed, and lifeguards asking the community to stay alert and croc wise as breeding season begins.
On Wednesday morning last week, Four Mile Beach lifeguards were told of a very large crocodile near the shore. Swimmers were evacuated from the water and the beach was closed for four hours.
North Queensland lifeguard supervisor Dee Westland said the last sighting of it was at 11.40am that morning.
“The croc was about 4-metre long which was unusual, we don’t see them that big, they’re usually about 2-metres long, so we believe this was a male patrolling the area looking for a mate,” she said.
“The lifeguards on duty spotted a crocodile coming around the headland at the north of Four Mile Beach and he was heading south along the beach.
“Some people are still on holidays and Four Mile Beach is quite a busy beach, so there were a fair few people around. The beach was closed and the lifeguards tracked him for a bit longer.
“We followed protocol. Four hours gives a good timeframe for crocodiles to move through the area and for us to see if there are any more sightings,” Ms Westland said.
“If there are no more sightings after those four hours, we surveil the area and make sure there’s nothing else around before reopening.”
She said that with summer approaching it was the perfect environment for the crocodile breeding season to begin.
“This is a normal timeframe for a crocodile to appear, the waters are warmer which is inviting for them to breed,” she said adding, “but also we have no control over nature so this can happen at any time.
“That’s why it is aof the utmost importance for people to not go swimming and stay away from the water’s edge at dusk and dawn, when crocs are most active.
“Make sure you don’t have any food scraps on you that could attract them, and if you want to swim, swim between the red and yellow flags. That’s where we’re watching, that’s what we’re there for.
“Be wary, check your surroundings and if you have any questions see the lifeguards on duty.”
Read More: Port Douglas
