OPINION:
Don't ignore the safety signs this summer.
It's summer and it's hot and the Bay is home to some of the best swimming spots in the country - I get it. But don't be stupid and step right into danger.
If a sign says don't swim here. Don't.
If
Zoe Hunter: Don't ignore the safety signs, stupid
Omanawa Falls are closed for your safety. Photo / George Novak
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If a gate is closed and a sign says do not enter. Don't jump the fence.
It's not rocket science.
Safety signs aren't there for the sake of it. They are there to keep you safe. Accidents can and do happen.
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Omanawa Falls are closed to the public for safety reasons.
The falls and surrounds have significant ecological status, and the steep cliffs, which are unstable in parts, mean creating safe access will be challenging.
The popular summer spot is now in the rohe of Ngāti Hangarau, which is working with Tauranga City Council and Tourism Bay of Plenty to reopen the falls by constructing safe access with full consideration given to the historical, cultural and environmental significance of the site.
Kaitiaki will be at the falls to help protect this special place and look after what Ngāti Hangarau's Koro Nicholas called our awa, our wairere, our whenua and our manuhiri.
They are there to help all our manuhiri to understand why places like Omanawa Falls are very special and need to be respected.
So please don't ignore the big, bold sign on the closed gate that reads: "This track is closed for your safety", "Park closed" or "No entry".
It's not like those three signs can be misinterpreted or misread in any way - unless you are blind or stupid.
Meanwhile, south of Rotorua, swimmers continue to risk their lives in a fatal stretch of water below the Aratiatia dam despite numerous safety barriers and warning signs.
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Mercury was again forced to cancel tourist spills at the rapids, north of Lake Taupō, due to safety concerns.
It's left Mercury hydro general manager Phil Gibson frustrated with lives being put at risk and undue pressure being put Aratiatia hydro station staff who manage the spill.
Thousands of people enjoy watching the power of the spills each summer but when people ignore signage and head into where the rapids are they're putting themselves in danger.
Water can be released unexpectedly, suddenly and dramatically.
The rapids have already claimed the life of 21-year-old Rachael de Jong a couple of years ago, yet people still want to ignore the warning signs and their safety.
Safety signs are there for a reason, so don't ignore them.
