Making Reef a safer place

A CALL to require snorkellers to fill out a medical declaration form before they take to the water is another step to make our Great Barrier Reef one of the safest places to visit in the world.

Our Reef operators are already regarded as safe and best practice globally.

The industry is calling for mandatory medical declarations to be legislated in light of another snorkelling death this week.

It seems Robert Duff, who died while snorkelling at Moore Reef on Wednesday, had a heart condition which was not disclosed before he entered the water.

Had it been known he would have been prevented from snorkelling.

Divers are required to complete a medical form before jumping into the ocean so requiring snorkellers to as well is wise.

The operators are not trying to be fun police officers.

They just want to ensure the safety of their guests and give their staff peace of mind.

It will be impossible to prevent all deaths on the Reef. Diving and snorkelling are risky and hundreds of thousands of people visit the natural wonder every year.

Of course, there is the possibility of drowning as it is a vast waterway, and other risks such as shark or marine animal attacks.

There is also the potential of box and jellyfish and irukandji stings.

No one is immune from danger on the Reef.

Famous nature expert and television personality Steve Irwin was stabbed and died from a stingray barb.

Prevention is always greater than cure and any move by operators to enforce snorkelling medical declarations is welcome.