30 December 2009

Royal Life Saving says it has been a horror Christmas with 10 drowning deaths across Australia in just the past 6 days they warn that with another 4 or 5 days of holiday remaining we must all be much more vigilant around water.

Royal Life Saving's Chief Operating Officer Justin Scarr said "Ten drowning deaths in just six days is deeply alarming and it highlights that we must be very very careful when enjoying the fun of the aquatic environment."

"We urge people to swim only in recognised swimming locations.  This includes when you are at patrolled beaches or the swimming pool.  Don't over-estimate your ability."

"If you are going boating, make sure you've taken all the right safety precautions and use personal flotation devices (lifejackets).  Some people still don't do this and that clearly places them at huge risk."

"It's critical children are constantly supervised around water.  Thousands of swimming pools across Australia don't have pool fencing that has been carefully checked.  Make sure your pool fencing is in good working order."

"We remind people never to cross flooded roadways and to ensure older children understand the clear dangers of swimming in open waterways especially after heavy rain."

"Over summer the backyard pool, rivers, lakes and beaches are our playgrounds.  We want people to have fantastic fun in the aquatic environment.  We absolutely urge caution and vigilance as the holiday period continues.  Obviously we've seen far too much tragedy this Christmas and we want to see this stopping altogether.  The deaths have been in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, country NSW, Tasmania and other areas and they all highlight why we must be on alert.  Each death affects many many others and has a huge effect vigilance is the key."

Summary of recent drowning deaths at a glance:

24/12/09 an 18 year old drowned at Bateau Bay in NSW.
24/12/09 an 11 year old drowned in Perth in WA.
25/12/09 a 34 year old drowned at Lake Hume in NSW.
25/12/09 a 34 year old drowned at Cape Shank in Victoria.
26/12/09 a 40 year old drowned at Ballina in NSW.
26/12/09 a 45 year old drowned at Bruny Island in Tasmania.
27/12/09 a 53 year old drowned at Tangalooma in Queensland
27/12/09 a 2 year old drowned in Shoalhaven in NSW.
29/12/09 a 15 year old drowned in Melbourne, Victoria.
29/12/09 a 13 year old drowned in Brisbane, Queensland.

For comment, ring Justin Scarr at Royal Life Saving direct on 0408 434 011.

You can also ring Ross Woodward of Media Key on 0409 420 112.