ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today encouraged families to discover Canberra's top five swimming spots to cool off during the long, hot days of summer.

"Despite being located a couple of hours from the ocean, we have many beautiful swimming spots. The Murrumbidgee River Corridor possesses a number of hidden treasures including UriarraCrossing, Casuarina Sands, Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Cotter Bend," the Chief Minister said.

Renovated in 2010, Casuarina Sands is a great place to relax and have a picnic, with barbecue facilities, shelter, drinking water, picnic tables and toilets. After a swim in the river, take a stroll upstream to the historic pumping station.

A long-time family favourite, Pine Island, is the main recreation area along the Murrumbidgee River in south Canberra, conveniently located adjacent to Tuggeranong. The island features three separate barbeque areas with picnic tables and toilets, a playground, and a series of swimming holes and beaches to enjoy.

Kambah Pool is a popular swimming spot with picnic tables, toilets and walking trails. Take a swim and then enjoy a hike along the Murrumbidgee River to Casuarina Sands or Pine Island.

Tucked within a bend where Cotter River meets Paddys River, is Cotter Bend. Enjoy a picnic on the grass, read a book under a large shady tree or enjoy a swim along the meandering river. Cotter Bend has barbecue facilities, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets and is wheelchair accessible.

Looking for a swimming spot you can enjoy with your dog? Take your dog for a swim and a play at UriarraCrossing, which has both on-lead and off-lead exercise areas. Uriarra is a great place to have a picnic with tables, shelter, toilets and barbecue facilities available.

"With the weather heating up, it is also a timely reminder about the importance of water safety," the Chief Minister said.

Tips to ensure they enjoy a safe and refreshing dip each and every time:
• do not enter the water if signage indicates the conditions are unsafe;
• watch the flow - flowing water is stronger than you think;
• never drink and swim;
• never let children out of your sight and avoid swimming alone;
• never dive into water if you are unsure of the depth; and
• keep an eye out for submerged logs, other hazards and wildlife

More information about the Murrumbidgee River Corridor is available at http://www.tams.act.gov.auf/.

Media Contact:

Scott Howard (02)62058144 0478474071 scott.howard@act.gov.au