NT: Man dies at popular outback waterfall
24 Nov 2008 3:05 PMDARWIN, Nov 24 AAP - A man in his early twenties has died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the Northern Territory outback.
He was swimming at Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park about 3pm (CST) yesterday, the NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) said in a statement.
The man was part of a large group who had visited the popular swimming areanear Katherine.
The man, believed to be in his early twenties, had swum about 150m from theplunge pool entrance to the other side of the falls when he started to struggle.
NRETAS Director of Parks Graham Phelps said Parks and Wildlife rangers attempted to revive the man until the ambulance arrived.
It is not known whether he died at the scene or in hospital.
Mr Phelps said visitor safety was the number one priority for rangers.
"We have numerous safety signs in place and life buoys on hand in case of emergencies," he said.
"We strongly urge all visitors to adhere to park safety signs and particularly to observe warning signs regarding swimming."
Dr Phelps reminded visitors they need to be aware that parks had "natural changing environments".
"(They) need to be aware of the risks and exercise care, taking into account their own physical abilities and health when entering these environments," he said.
