Danger lurking behind revelry

THE last couple of days of 2017 have highlighted the care we all have to take to make sure this New Year does not result in an untimely trip to hospital or tragedy.

On Saturday, hundreds had flocked to Josephine Falls near Innisfail to cool off and spend some time with family and friends.

But one woman fractured her leg near the main pool at the picturesque waterfall and an ambulance was called. Luckily for another younger woman, ambulance and fire crews were already on scene when she took a tumble and fractured her face, hip and wrist.

Then yesterday, two women were treated within hours of each other for jellyfish stings after swimming in the waters around Dunk Island, off Mission Beach.

As 2018 starts with its promise of new experiences and time with loved ones we should not be ignorant of some of the dangers of living in paradise.

Luckily the four women mentioned above will recover and continue on with a tale to recount in the future, but it could have ended very differently.

Emergency services personnel are forever asking the public to take care.

The fresh, cool and inviting waterways also have slippery rocks, unpredictable currents and when it has been raining can rise quickly and without warning.

It is well known the ocean is home to various species of stingers, two of which, the irukandji and box jellyfish, will kill you within minutes without proper medical attention. Then there are the crocodiles, sharks and poisonous fish to worry about.

But thousands enjoy the Far North environment without incident every day because they know the risks and take precautions.