Crocodile Attack Fails to Deter 400 Swimmers at Lake Argyle Event

Key facts

• A 67-year-old man was bitten by a suspected freshwater crocodile while swimming near a houseboat at Lake Argyle on Friday evening.
• Three other people were also bitten while attempting to help the man.
• The man was flown to Royal Perth Hospital and remains in stable condition with multiple injuries.
• The Lake Argyle Swim event drew 400 swimmers and over 750 visitors on Saturday, despite the incident.
• Lake Argyle is home to approximately 35,000 freshwater crocodiles.
• A swimmer sustained serious leg injuries in a similar incident at the lake in 2022.

Attack at Hicks Passage

A 67-year-old man was bitten by a suspected freshwater crocodile while swimming near a houseboat in the Hicks Passage area of Lake Argyle on Friday evening. The man, part of a group on the houseboat, was attacked around 3,000 kilometres north of Perth. Three others who rushed to help him were also bitten by the same crocodile.

Victim Airlifted to Perth

The 67-year-old was initially taken to Kununurra Hospital before being transferred to Royal Perth Hospital on Sunday. He remains in stable condition while undergoing treatment for multiple injuries. The other three victims were treated at the scene and did not require hospitalisation.

Event Goes Ahead Despite Scare

The First National Lake Argyle Swim, a sold-out event, proceeded as planned on Saturday, just one day after the attack. More than 400 swimmers and 750 visitors participated, with organisers altering the 20-kilometre course to avoid the attack area. Event manager Glenn Taylor said no swimmers withdrew, stating, 'We sprung into action straight away because the safety of our swimmers is paramount.'

Record Participation and New Category

The event recorded its largest turnout to date, selling out within minutes of ticket release. Only 13 per cent of entrants were locals, the lowest ever, with the remainder split evenly between intrastate and interstate competitors. A new three-person team category, covering just under 7 kilometres per competitor, sold out quickly and proved highly popular.

Freshwater Crocodile Behaviour and Risks

Lake Argyle hosts about 35,000 freshwater crocodiles, a species generally less aggressive than saltwater crocodiles. However, they can attack when provoked, as demonstrated by a family dog narrowly escaping an attack near the lake last month. A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions spokesperson noted that while freshwater crocodiles are 'not usually considered dangerous animals, they have the potential to inflict serious injuries.'

Authorities Monitoring and Response

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is monitoring the situation and plans to conduct patrols early next week. The department stated that Lake Argyle is not managed by them, but staff may remove a crocodile if it is identified as an active threat. Officials encourage anyone encountering a crocodile interacting with people to report it with a photo and GPS location.

Rarity of Attacks and Future Outlook

Attacks by freshwater crocodiles on humans are very rare, but the incident underscores the inherent risks of swimming in waters shared with large wildlife. The 2022 attack, where a swimmer sustained serious leg injuries, serves as a reminder. As the Lake Argyle Swim continues to grow in popularity, balancing safety with the natural environment remains a challenge for organisers and authorities.

The bottom line

• A 67-year-old man was bitten by a freshwater crocodile at Lake Argyle, with three others injured while assisting.
• The attack did not stop the sold-out Lake Argyle Swim, which attracted 400 swimmers and 750 visitors.
• Freshwater crocodiles are generally less aggressive but can inflict serious injuries, as seen in a 2022 incident.
• Lake Argyle is home to about 35,000 freshwater crocodiles, making encounters a persistent risk.
• Authorities are monitoring the situation and may remove the crocodile if it poses an active threat.
• The event's growing popularity, with record interstate participation, highlights the tension between tourism and wildlife safety.