Halfway through the summer, the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning toll records 59 people have drowned across Australia since 1 December. This is 59 families and communities that have lost a loved one to drowning. One drowning is one too many.

With another five weeks of summer to go, Royal Life Saving is urgently warning people to stay vigilant around water and emphasises that drowning can happen when we least expect it, even to people who are familiar and experienced.

Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr is pleading people to exercise caution around water, even if they are familiar with the environment and confident in their knowledge and skills, especially men.

“We urge people to consider their safety around the water by checking the conditions, being aware that weather and water conditions can change quickly, knowing your limits, avoiding alcohol and wearing a lifejacket.

"If you see someone in difficulty, go and get help and alert emergency services as soon as possible. We want everyone to have a great day out and come home safely.”

Royal Life Saving reminds everyone to enjoy the water safely, but to be aware of safety in, on and around the water, in all locations.

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

For Media Enquiries contact: Media Key on 0409 420 112 or 03 9769 6488.