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🇦🇺 Australia /Disasters & Emergencies

'Motivation to swim faster': Crocodile bites four people before swimming race

From ABC Australia · (11m ago) English Mixed tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A man in his 60s was bitten by a suspected freshwater crocodile while swimming in Lake Argyle, Western Australia, on Friday evening.
  • Three other people were bitten by the same crocodile while attempting to rescue the man.
  • Despite the incident, over 400 swimmers participated in the Lake Argyle Swim competition on Saturday, with organizers adjusting the route for safety.

An unusual and alarming incident occurred at Lake Argyle in Western Australia's north when a man in his 60s was bitten by a suspected freshwater crocodile while swimming. The attack, which took place in the Hicks Passage area, also resulted in three other individuals being bitten as they attempted to assist the initial victim. The injured man was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in natural waterways, even those inhabited by species generally considered less aggressive.

We sprung into action straight away because the safety of our swimmers is paramount.

— Glenn TaylorEvent manager Glenn Taylor described the immediate response to ensure swimmer safety after the crocodile attack.

Remarkably, the crocodile attack did not deter the more than 400 participants in the annual Lake Argyle Swim competition held the following day. Event organizers acted swiftly to ensure participant safety by altering the swimming course to avoid the area where the incident occurred. Glenn Taylor, the event manager, confirmed that no swimmers withdrew due to the news and that safety measures, including a significant water safety team, were in place. This resilience from the swimming community underscores their commitment to the event and their trust in the organizers' safety protocols.

We didn't get one swimmer who expressed any concerns and certainly no-one that did not take part in the swim because of the news.

— Glenn TaylorEvent manager Glenn Taylor noted the swimmers' determination to participate despite the crocodile incident.

Lake Argyle is known to be home to a large population of freshwater crocodiles, estimated at around 35,000. While these crocodiles are typically less aggressive than their saltwater counterparts, they are still capable of attacking if provoked. Swimmers and locals, like ultra swimmer Andy Donaldson and long-time resident Ben Broadwith, expressed confidence in the safety measures and their familiarity with the local wildlife. Some even suggested the incident might have provided an unexpected 'motivation to swim faster.' The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is monitoring the situation and conducting patrols in the area.

It's always there in some corner of your mind.

— Andy DonaldsonUltra swimmer Andy Donaldson acknowledged the presence of danger but felt secure due to the extensive safety measures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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