Crazy’ Christmas party act on Sydney Harbour sparks warning to Aussies

A simple act of fun at a work Christmas party last week has been condemned by authorities who’ve warned of the various health and safety risks associated with swimming in Sydney Harbour.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment issued a warning to visitors that swimming is “not permitted” after a video showing three women jumping into the water was shared on social media before reportedly being taken down.

The clip, which was originally shared on TikTok, shows three women standing by the water at Cockle Bay in central Sydney while enjoying work drinks. They thought a “quick dip” in the harbour was a “good idea” as they launched themselves off the wharf while fully clothed and holding hands.

The video then cuts to the women climbing back out of the water laughing, wringing excess water from their clothes

Swimming in the harbour is off-limits for several reasons, the department warned — and comes with a maximum penalty of $1,100. It’s not known if the three women were fined.

“Swimming is not permitted at Darling Harbour or Cockle Bay as there is a large amount of boat traffic. There are also no distinct swimming areas with shark nets,” a Placemaking NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. Sydney Harbour is notorious for bull sharks, especially as the weather heats up. The water also “has not been tested” for contaminants including waste, dirt, debris and sewage overflow.

A simple act of fun at a work Christmas party last week has been condemned by authorities who’ve warned of the various health and safety risks associated with swimming in Sydney Harbour.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment issued a warning to visitors that swimming is “not permitted” after a video showing three women jumping into the water was shared on social media before reportedly being taken down.

The clip, which was originally shared on TikTok, shows three women standing by the water at Cockle Bay in central Sydney while enjoying work drinks. They thought a “quick dip” in the harbour was a “good idea” as they launched themselves off the wharf while fully clothed and holding hands.

The video then cuts to the women climbing back out of the water laughing, wringing excess water from their clothes

Swimming in the harbour is off-limits for several reasons, the department warned — and comes with a maximum penalty of $1,100. It’s not known if the three women were fined.

“Swimming is not permitted at Darling Harbour or Cockle Bay as there is a large amount of boat traffic. There are also no distinct swimming areas with shark nets,” a Placemaking NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. Sydney Harbour is notorious for bull sharks, especially as the weather heats up. The water also “has not been tested” for contaminants including waste, dirt, debris and sewage overflow.

A simple act of fun at a work Christmas party last week has been condemned by authorities who’ve warned of the various health and safety risks associated with swimming in Sydney Harbour.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment issued a warning to visitors that swimming is “not permitted” after a video showing three women jumping into the water was shared on social media before reportedly being taken down.

The clip, which was originally shared on TikTok, shows three women standing by the water at Cockle Bay in central Sydney while enjoying work drinks. They thought a “quick dip” in the harbour was a “good idea” as they launched themselves off the wharf while fully clothed and holding hands.

The video then cuts to the women climbing back out of the water laughing, wringing excess water from their clothes

Swimming in the harbour is off-limits for several reasons, the department warned — and comes with a maximum penalty of $1,100. It’s not known if the three women were fined.

“Swimming is not permitted at Darling Harbour or Cockle Bay as there is a large amount of boat traffic. There are also no distinct swimming areas with shark nets,” a Placemaking NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. Sydney Harbour is notorious for bull sharks, especially as the weather heats up. The water also “has not been tested” for contaminants including waste, dirt, debris and sewage overflow.

A simple act of fun at a work Christmas party last week has been condemned by authorities who’ve warned of the various health and safety risks associated with swimming in Sydney Harbour.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment issued a warning to visitors that swimming is “not permitted” after a video showing three women jumping into the water was shared on social media before reportedly being taken down.

The clip, which was originally shared on TikTok, shows three women standing by the water at Cockle Bay in central Sydney while enjoying work drinks. They thought a “quick dip” in the harbour was a “good idea” as they launched themselves off the wharf while fully clothed and holding hands.

The video then cuts to the women climbing back out of the water laughing, wringing excess water from their clothes

Swimming in the harbour is off-limits for several reasons, the department warned — and comes with a maximum penalty of $1,100. It’s not known if the three women were fined.

“Swimming is not permitted at Darling Harbour or Cockle Bay as there is a large amount of boat traffic. There are also no distinct swimming areas with shark nets,” a Placemaking NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. Sydney Harbour is notorious for bull sharks, especially as the weather heats up. The water also “has not been tested” for contaminants including waste, dirt, debris and sewage overflow.