Warning over tropical swimming spots after tourist swept away at Mossman Gorge

Experts have called for popular tropical attractions to be closed when waterways reach dangerous conditions, after an incident at waterhole in far north Queensland.

The search for a 54-year-old woman, who was swept away in distress at Mossman Gorge, 68km north-west of Cairns, entered its fourth day on Monday, with police divers scouring the water for the missing tourist. She was last seen in the water on Friday.

On Monday afternoon, police said the dangerous operation had become a recovery mission.

The idyllic gorge, which can be treacherous year-round, was swollen with rain when the accident occurred on Friday and visitors were warned against swimming.

That advice was backed by Dr Amy Peden, a water safety expert and researcher at the University of New South Wales.

Schwartz, who has been involved in dozens of rescue operations in the area, said people should be taught to recognise dangerous water conditions and told of safer places to swim.

All three experts agreed, however, that warning signs were not enough to stop people taking risks and drowning.

She said the tourism industry needed to be more proactive about warning visitors of risks.

Franklin said researchers were looking at the effectiveness of electronic warning signs on the road before waterways and automatic text messages informing travellers of conditions ahead.

The service has temporarily closed areas within or entire national parks during severe weather events, they said.