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 that is 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, because conditions change with the season.

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