The Darwin Waterfront Corporation will reopen the Recreation Lagoon for swimming from 10am on Sunday 2 October 2016.

Early Sunday morning, the stinger net will be replaced as the final step in the response to the two marine stings experienced in the Recreation Lagoon last week.

Visitors can be confident that the Recreation Lagoon is one of the safest places in the Top End to swim. Since the closure, the Darwin Waterfront Corporation has:

• Engaged a team of divers to audit the Recreation Lagoon and remove build-ups of the generally harmless Cassiopea jellyfish and survey marine life;
• Carried out daily drag netting of the inner-Recreation Lagoon using Surf Life Saving NT personnel;
• Performed nightly spotlighting to attract and remove jellyfish;
• Ordered a replacement of the stinger-net in the inner-Recreation Lagoon (to occur Sunday morning); and
• Consulted with a medical specialist in reactions to marine stings, a marine life expert and Surf Life Saving NT.

These activities have not identified any unusual marine species. The divers did find some hydroid (stinging sea fir / fire-coral) growth. Divers have removed the identified hydroid growths from the stinger-net and fountain outlet which could have caused serious allergic reaction in some swimmers. It should be noted that most people do not show allergic reactions to hydroids, however to prevent further growth of this type, cleaning and replacement of structures within the inner-Recreation Lagoon will occur more frequently in the future.

Swimmers are encouraged to enjoy the Recreation Lagoon and to remember that it is an active marine ecosystem and not a pool. Some marine stings will always be possible. Swimmers who encounter any type of marine sting should immediately report to lifeguards on duty for treatment and to prevent the sting developing further. 

The Darwin Waterfront Corporation thanks the public for their patience and understanding during the Recreation Lagoon closure.

Normal admission prices will resume for the Wave Lagoon from Sunday.

Media contact: Paola Ciarla, Events & Marketing Manager 0437 621 433