Summer Drowning Toll now 67, 17% higher than last year

After a deeply tragic few days, 67 people have now drowned across Australia since the start of summer. The Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll highlights that this is very sad situation is a 17% increase compared to last year.

With a public holiday weekend, and another four weeks of summer to go, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr is urging people to exercise caution around water, even if they are familiar with the environment and confident in their knowledge and skills, especially men.

“We are asking men to make the right call and look after their mates to keep each other safe around water, especially when swimming, boating, and fishing this holiday long weekend.”

With BBQ’s, day trips and long weekend travel plans, Royal Life Saving reminds everyone to enjoy the water safely, but to be aware of safety around the water, whether you plan to swim at the river, lake, pool, or beach.

Parents are advised to keep watch constantly, avoid distractions like social media, designate an adult supervisor at parties and recognise that their child’s swimming skills may not be up to scratch.

“Parents are urged to actively supervise children at all times if you are near water, whether swimming in a backyard pool, or at a dam, river, beach or lake,” Mr Scarr said.

Adults are encouraged to avoid drinking around the water, especially around inland waterways including lakes and rivers, while camping or fishing.

“Alcohol was a factor in more than a quarter of drowning deaths last summer so we’re asking everyone to stay off the beers until fishing, boating or swimming has finished. Make the right call around water and look after your mates.”

“Many rivers, lakes and dams have more water than in previous years and with lots of water moving downstream, especially after flooding. It’s important not to let children play or swim in floodwater,” Mr Scarr said.

Royal Life Saving wants everyone to enjoy the water safely, but to prepare and brush up on safety precautions, especially in unfamiliar locations.

These are our top five tips to enjoy the water safely this summer:

• Always supervise children around water
• Avoid alcohol around water
• Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing
• Know the conditions
• Avoid going alone

Summer Drowning Toll can be found at:

https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll

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