Inland waterways such as rivers, creeks, streams, lakes, dams and lagoons provide significant social and economic value to Australia and require comprehensive consideration in waterway planning and management.  However, the use of any water body introduces a level of risk to the public.

Inland waterways are the most prominent location for unintentional fatal drownings to occur in Australia.

Royal Life Saving Australia has developed the Guidelines for Inland Waterway Safety in response to that risk.

The Guidelines provide practical guidance to assist land managers to determine how best to manage the risk of drowning and serious injury resulting from the use of or access to inland waterways and their waterfronts.