THE Water Grid will tomorrow launch a safety campaign warning the community about the dangers of swimming in weirs and fast flowing-water.

This year's 'No Lifeguards Here' weir safety campaign urges the public, especially young people, to be aware of the serious consequences - both life-threatening and fatal - that can result from swimming in weirs and flooded waterways.

Water Grid spokesperson Barry Dennien said the campaign was an important element of drowning prevention and education, and the launch's timing was particularly pertinent in the lead up to summer and the wet season.

"During periods of heavy rain, an overflowing weir can easily become a dangerous place," Mr Dennien said.

"Increased water volume and pressure can force people underwater - making rescue almost impossible."

Weirs are designed and built to serve a purpose - to regulate water flow. Swimming in weirs can be fatal.

The tragic drowning of 12-year-old Caboolture State High student at Caboolture Weir in April 2009 sadly highlights the dangers of playing in and around weirs.

"Many people fail to realise that swimming skills have little to do with surviving a flooded weir," Mr Dennien said.

"The facts are that it only takes ankle deep water to knock you off your feet, and only 60 seconds to drown - not enough time for someone to call 000.

"Educating young people to 'rethink' their behaviour is key to preventing future drowning tragedies in weirs."

As part of the Water Grid, the state's bulk water supply authority, Seqwater, is responsible for 49 weirs along with 24 dams and 46 operational water treatment plants across South East Queensland.

Mr Dennien said safety at these assets is a key focus for operations at the Water Grid.

"The "No Lifeguards Here" safety campaign has been designed to highlight the fact that weirs are secluded places that are not patrolled or supervised by anyone," Mr Dennien.

The campaign has been developed with input and support from Hannah's Foundation, Australia's leading drowning prevention, awareness and support group, Queensland Fire and Rescue, and Emergency Management Queensland (SES).

A mix of outdoor, print and cinema advertising, along with signs at key weir locations are planned.

Hannah's Foundation executive officer, and author of the Positive Choices Life and Water Safety Program, Ms Katherine Plint said ongoing education of the risks, dangers and consequences that exist around water is vital to the prevention of further drowning accidents.

"Unfortunately, a lot of the programs and advertising out there is focusing on the ability to swim and CPR and the reality is that swimming won't save your life and CPR fails 93% of the time," Mrs Plint said.

"We need to focus clearly on prevention and educate the public, especially children, about the poor choices that people make in relation to water safety."