AFL star cops pile-on for swimming laps in floodwaters ‘risking gastro and an antibiotic resistant ear infection’ – but is he just having fun?
- AFL star Mitch Robinson slammed for taking swim in floodwaters in Brisbane
- Lions midfielder took to Twitter to show video of him swimming in backyard
- Social media users were quick to point out the health risks of swimming in water
AFL star Mitch Robinson has been ridiculed for risking his health after taking a swim in dirty floodwaters surrounding his home in south-east Queensland.
The Lions midfielder dressed down in budgie smugglers and swimming goggles for a quick dip in his inundated backyard in Brisbane on Sunday.
Footage of the swim was uploaded to his Twitter account and showed the 32-year-old speed through two laps in questionable-looking water.
‘Always wanted a lap pool! #brisbaneflood’, the caption on his tweet read.
AFL star Mitch Robinson has been ridiculed for risking his health after taking a swim in floodwaters surrounding his home in south-east Queensland
Footage of the swim was uploaded to his Twitter account and showed the 32-year-old speed through two laps in questionable-looking water
His attempt at a lighthearted stunt fell flat with some of his followers who warned he risked contracting a severe case of gastritis or an ear infection.
‘Last time Brisbane flooded there were official warnings about the water because it was absolutely HEAVING with human waste,’ writer Benjamin Law commented.
Another person added: ‘Careful swimming in flood waters! Lots of infections you can catch from bugs, sewage and so forth. Had a few friends suffer in hospital from it. Lucky to be alive.’
South-east Queensland is enduring its worst floods since 2011 with more than 49,000 homes left without power.
Worksafe Queensland warns on its website that floodwaters can mix with sewage and provide the perfect breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.
‘Environmental conditions after storms and floods increase the risk for infectious diseases,’ its website reads.
NSW Health added: ‘Flood waters contaminated with sewage may carry a range of viruses, bacteria and parasites.’
Robinson hit back at the criticism comparing the risk of catching an infection in floodwaters to walking into a cafe.
‘Grow up Helen,’ Robinson wrote. ‘Could get sick walking into a cafe, don’t know why you’d feel the need to tweet that.’
South-east Queensland is currently enduring its worst flood since 2011 with more than 49,000 homes cut off from power.
Residents who live along the Brisbane River have been warned their properties may be at risk as the river was expected to peak at 4m.
More to come
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