High Murray flows offer a river refresh in lock safety

Whether you are an experienced navigator or first-time fisher, SA Water wants all river users to be aware of the importance of safely navigating the series of locks stationed along the River Murray, as higher than usual water flows continue from interstate.

Significant rainfall experienced across Australia's eastern states has seen a rise in water levels down the River Murray system, with flows at the South Australian border currently at around 79 billion litres per day.

SA Water Senior Manager River Murray Operations Garry Fyfe said this serves as a timely reminder for boaties to take caution when passing through the river structures.

"While the increase in water flow hasn’t impacted how we operate the lock structures, some river travelers aren’t always aware how strong the flow coming down the system can be," Garry said.

"This is particularly the case when approaching the lock from the centre of the river or the opposite side to where the lock is, as the stronger water speed can make it tricky for even the most experienced navigators.

"We ask people to stay at least 500 metres from the lock before making our lock coordinators - also known as 'lockies' - aware of your arrival by calling our team or sounding your vessel's horn three consecutive times.

"It's also important to maintain a safe distance when approaching the lock, waiting for the flashing red light stationed atop the lock's control box to turn green, indicating it's safe to slowly enter the lock chamber.

"From there, it's a case of following the clear Instructions of our experienced lockies, to maintain a few safety basics while we raise or lower the water level as needed, before we can reopen the gates and send people on their way.

"Safety is our priority for every job, every day for everyone, so we thank people travelling along the river for helping to maintain the health and wellbeing of both themselves and our team, by using our locks safely."

On behalf of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, SA Water manages Locks One to Six in South Australia as well as Lock Seven at Rufus River and Lock Eight at Wangumma in New South Wales, and Lock Nine at Kulnine in Victoria. The utility also operates barrages at Goolwa, Mundoo, Boundary Creek, Ewe Island and Tauwitchere.

"I am extremely proud to be part of our dedicated team who work to assist boats of all shapes and sizes pass through our lock system, while detailing the history of the mighty Murray for those that visit."

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