AFTER recent footage emerged on social media of people ignoring safety fencing at Wannon Falls, Hamilton Police are reinforcing the importance of following safety signs and messages.

A video showing two people standing on the edge of the rapidly flowing Wannon Falls was uploaded to Facebook by a local, with the two people captured seemingly unfazed by the fast-paced flow of water and 30 metre drop only steps away.

According to the person behind the camera, the pair allegedly climbed over the safety fencing designed to prevent viewers from getting close to the water’s edge.

With the south-west receiving a significant amount of rain in the last month, water features such as the Wannon Falls are flowing rapidly, posing a safety hazard to the public.

A Hamilton Police spokesperson said daredevil behaviour such as this was highly dangerous and urged everyone to obey public safety messages and fencing. 

“Safety barriers are there for your safety,” the spokesperson said.

“The rocks around the waterfall are slippery, particularly in light of recent flooding.

“We implore people to stay behind the barriers for their own safety.”

While Hamilton and surrounding areas have experienced some warmer and drier weather lately, motorists are still being urged to remain safe on the roads by obeying road closure, road work, and rough surface signs.

Newly created potholes present hazards for car drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists as they can cause damage to vehicles and result in accidents.

RACV Head of Policy, James Williams, said it was important road users were aware of the changed conditions brought about by the recent extreme weather event.

“Victorians would be acutely aware of how quickly weather conditions can change – they would also know that the recent storms can have a significant impact on our roads,” he said.

RACV Drive School senior instructor, Silvia Morris, said the dangers of potholes should not be underestimated.

“Large potholes have the potential to cause severe damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension, exhaust and/or vehicle body, and in some cases can even lead to drivers losing control of their vehicle,” she said.

“Even small ones can cause wear and tear to your vehicle’s suspension and steering which can be costly.

“When you do encounter a pothole, avoid sudden breaking and dangerous swerving into oncoming traffic.

“Keep a firm control of the steering wheel – which can be jolted with impact.”

Drivers are also urged to exercise caution when driving through deep puddles as it is impossible to tell what lies underneath the water.

“Some puddles can be hiding large potholes underneath them, so you should avoid driving over puddles where possible, and never drive through floodwaters,” Ms Morris said.