The Recreation Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront remains one of the safest places to swim in the Territory.

There have been no confirmed reports of irukandji or box jellyfish in the Recreation Lagoon since it opened in 2009.

The lagoon is a natural marine eco-system with various marine species including; fish, algae, and the common Cassiopeia jellyfish.

Known marine species in the Recreation Lagoon present low risk to swimmers, however reactions to marine species can vary from no reaction, to a rash and more server symptoms in rare situations.

The Corporation takes all necessary precautions to minimise risks to swimmers, including the following:

• Mesh screens are placed over the sea water intake pipes in order to reduce the risk of dangerous marine species entering the lagoon.
• The stinger net also provides increased protection to remove any large marine species from the beach area for swimmers.
• Regular jellyfish scans of the lagoon also occur along with regular monitoring and removal of Cassiopeia jellyfish to control numbers.
• Lifeguards patrol the Recreation Lagoon from 9am to 6pm daily.

Following a reported sting on Tuesday 13 September 2016, the Corporation and its contractors have continued to monitor the area, however to date have not received any further reports of stings since the incident.

The Corporation advises that swimmers take note of signage around the Recreation Lagoon including warnings of potential marine stings. 

Contact: Paola Ciarla, Events & Marketing Manager 0437 621 433