The Croc-Wise & Gator-Wise Code

• Only swim where there is a designated SAFE SWIMMING sign — and confirm it’s open.
• No sign means NOT safe. Assume every natural waterway holds a crocodile or alligator.
• Stay several yards back from every water’s edge — river, creek, canal, pond or shoreline.
• After heavy rain, treat ALL water as new and occupied — even familiar spots.
• A crocodilian can hide in 10 inches of murky water. You will not see it.
• Never clean fish or dump scraps near water. Never feed a crocodilian.
• Camp 50+ yards from the water. Keep pets away from the edge.
• Take extra care at dawn, dusk and night, and at known hotspots.
• Choose a maintained pool or a designated, guarded swimming area over wild water.
• Teach every child: never near the water unless a grown-up says it’s safe.
• Crocodile or alligator, salt water or fresh, at home or abroad — the rule never changes.

In an emergency

In a life-threatening emergency, call your local emergency number — 911 in the United States and Mexico, 112 across much of Europe, 000 in Australia.

Report an alligator or crocodile in a populated area to your state or local wildlife authority — in Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s nuisance-alligator hotline; elsewhere, your state wildlife agency.

For current swimming-area and park information, consult the official government and park sources for wherever you are traveling — conditions change with the season.

Be croc wise and gator wise. Every creek. Every coast. Every season. Every time.