It’s that time of year again. We slip on our swimmers and thongs and head down to the lake to cool down. As the weather warms up, going for a swim or having a paddle at the water’s edge is a family favourite. However, during the warmer months, members of our Lake Mac Parents group report finding razor clams. Also known as razor fish, these clams are hidden under the sand. With such a high risk of our unsuspecting feet receiving a sharp and deep cut, it’s time to learn more about our secret foot-slicing resident!
The thing about the clam
Razor clams can be found all over Lake Macquarie. They have a long life span of up to 18 years and can grow up to 50 centimetres in length. Did you know that razor clams move around the seabed? They lie buried in the sand or seagrass with their sharp, razor-like edge facing upwards. While razor clams may be unpopular with swimmers or people taking a stroll barefoot along the water’s edge, they are an important part of the lake ecology.
Is the removal right?
Dr Peter Macreadie, a marine ecologist, believes that removing all of the razor clams from the lake could cause a catastrophe. He reminds us that when we’ve introduced or removed species from nature in the past, this typically does not work well. Think cane toads! We have to find a way to live with them while letting them continue to be a part of the ecology of the lake.
Cleaning up the lake
We spoke to Paul Mace at Lake Macquarie City Council a few years back to understand what the council is doing to maintain our lakeside swimming areas. Lake Mac Council has a three-pronged approach to Belmont and Toronto baths, as well as other areas that are designated for swimming. If you find razor clams in the lake, you can contact Lake Macquarie Council on (02) 4921 0333.
The annual clean
Commercial divers visit each area once a month to sweep for razor clams and blue-ringed octopus. At the end of each season, lifeguards will also do a sweep and remove any they find. There’s also an annual clean which is due this year in the third week of October. This is to prepare the swimming areas for summer. As part of these regular cleans, all rubbish is also removed. These include things like shopping trolleys, bikes, and other bits and pieces that are found dumped in our lake.
Medical advice
An Emergency Doctor at Belmont Hospital provided valuable first-hand advice on what to do. The best thing to do, says the Doctor, is to apply a pressure dressing on the wound. If it’s a deep laceration, you should head straight to your nearest Emergency Department. However, if it’s a superficial wound, the wound needs to be cleaned well and dressed properly. If it starts to become infected, get that foot straight to your local doctor’s surgery for a GP to check it out.
Prevention
It’s always advisable to put a pair of reef shoes on to protect your feet, especially during the warmer months. Keep an eye out for the Blue Ring Octopus as well. For more information on great places to swim safely, check out our beaches, caves & rock pools.
