Social media and water don’t mix

Cellphones may not only be distracting while in cars, a recent incident in Australia suggests. Photo by Flickr user Highways Agency

A tourist walking along St. Kilda pier in Victoria, Australia learned Thursday that browsing social media on one’s phone while walking near water may not be the best idea.

Victoria, Australia water police reported that a woman distracted by her cellphone walked off the structure into the cold water of a nearby bay. Police were notified and rescued her, after which she was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“With Facebook, or social media in general as far as we’re concerned, if you’re anywhere near the water just pay attention,” Senior Constable Dean Kelly of the Victoria state water police said. “Especially if you can’t swim.”