Tarlia sparked an outcry when she filmed herself taking an ocean dip
- Woman went for a swim
- Crocodile warning sign had been put up
- READ MORE: Terrifying warning issued over dreamy swimming spot
A woman who filmed herself swimming at a notorious crocodile-infested beach has been slammed by Aussies for the reckless act of stupidity.
Tarlia Merau uploaded a clip to TikTok last week that showed her entering the water at Palm Cove Beach, near Cairns, in far north Queensland.
Ms Merau said she ignored the crocodile warning signs because she 'couldn't resist' going in for a dip at the beach.
'An old couple walked passed me and said "you're brave",' she said.
But Ms Merau admitted in the video that while she didn't have a problem swimming in oceans where there are sharks, she didn't want to swim with crocodiles.
Social media users slammed the foolhardy swim in comments on the video.
'Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,' one wrote.
'So many other beaches to swim at and you choose to swim at one in Cairns, which is average, not to mention the croc risk,' another person wrote.
'Now that's really taking risking it to a new level,' a third added.
Tarlia Merau (pictured) uploaded a video to TikTok last week that showed her entering the water at Palm Cove Beach near Cairns, in North Queensland
Ms Merau said in the video that she's trying to get used to the beach and said that she really wanted to go for a swim.
'The water is so warm here, how could I not?' she said.
Palm Cove Beach lies within 'Croc Country', which are areas that are designated crocodile habitats.
These areas stretch from the Boyne River near Gladstone to the far north and far west of Queensland.
It also extends to parts of the Northern Territory.
Visitors to beaches and waterways in far north Queensland are urged to croc-aware to reduce the risk of harm, including heeding crocodile warning signs.
In September 2020, a crocodile measuring nearly three metres in length ate a dog at the popular town beach, sparking concerns from locals.
Officials from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DESI) conducted an investigation following the incident.
Palm Cove Beach lies within 'Croc Country', which are areas that are designated crocodile habitats (stock image)
Warnings signs were immediately put up on the banks of the ocean and a crocodile trap remains in place.
Crocodiles are be found at multiple tourist-trap locations around Australia including oceans, beaches, rivers, creeks and waterholes.
They are masters at hiding and can stay underwater for more than an hour, with the fearsome predators most active during the night, dusk and dawn.
Tips to stay safe from crocodiles
Stay five metres away from the edge of the water
Crocodiles hunt for their prey at the edge of waterways.
Visitors who move close to the edge of waterways are advised to place a sturdy object such as a tree or a large rock between themselves and the water's edge.
Dispose of food and food scraps
Crocodiles are attracted to discarded food items.
Food, fish scraps and bait should always be thrown away responsibly to avoid attracting the creatures onto the shore.
Keep all pets on a leash and away from the edge of the water
Pets and animals should not be allowed to roam near the water's edge as they are easy targets for crocodiles.
Do not use small watercraft such as kayaks when travelling in the water
Watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards do not safeguard visitors who enter the water.
Crocodiles can easily overturn these types of small vessels.
Stay well away from crocodile traps
These traps are designed to attract crocodiles therefore people need to keep their distance.
Anyone who deliberately affects the operation of these traps can face fines worth more than $15,000.
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