Water safety
‘Most drownings happen silently, often without a splash, without a sound’ is the message from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA).
According to the RLSSA, problems often occur during the holiday period. Rural people holidaying at the coast or coastal dwellers travelling to inland waterways should be aware that they will encounter conditions that they are not familiar with.
The drowning statistics for 2003 to 2004 tell the story in each of the age groups.
- 0-5 years: 40 drownings. Most of these drownings occurred after toddlers fell or wandered into water, often in swimming pools where access was not restricted.
- 6-14 year old age group: 8 drownings. Australia is a world leader in the development of water safety skills in the 6-14 year age group. Drownings in this age group have been reduced by 75 per cent over the past 22 years.
- 15-34 year olds: the traditional risk-taking and alcohol consuming group — 75 drownings.
- 35-54 year olds: 78 drownings. Tourists, recent immigrants and our rural community need particular education.
- 55+ years: 69 drownings.
Beach safety
A major proportion of drownings occur at the beach. Here are some beach safety hints from Australia’s Surf Lifesaving Association.
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safer area for swimming.
- Always swim under supervision.
- Read and obey the signs.
- If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifeguard.
- Don’t swim directly after a meal.
- Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Never run or dive in the water, even if you have checked before. Water conditions can change.
- If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
- Use a 15+ (30+ is even better) sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
- Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. A rip can be recognised by sand-coloured or rippled water running out to sea when the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
- Keep the beach clean: put your rubbish in a bin and keep off the duned areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.
Inland water safety
Rivers, creeks, lakes, dams and waterholes can be very dangerous and are often close to populated areas or popular tourist spots. Dangers to look for include currents, crumbling banks, uneven or unsafe riverbeds and submerged objects.
Before entering the water, check for presence and strength of a current and explore the water for depth and presence of any hazards such as rocks, weeds, logs and holes, especially before diving. Sadly, there are people spending the rest of their lives in a wheelchair after diving in before checking for hazards.
Swimming pools
Domestic swimming pools are the most common site of drowning for children under 5 years. In the under-5 age group, 18 children drowned in swimming pools between July 2003 and June 2004. Because children in this age group can quickly and quietly find their way into pools, it’s important to remember to keep your child within arms reach at all times when around water.
As well as constant supervision of children, the RLSSA recommends parents learn resuscitation skills and all pool owners fence their pools.
Although the home may seem to be a relatively safe place, it has many potential dangers, particularly for very young children. Always supervise children when they are in, on or near the water. It is very easy for those supervising young children to be momentarily distracted, but it takes only a moment for a child to drown.
Most public and some private pools will have notices around or near the pool with rules of use — read and obey these rules as well as the pool lifeguards or owners. Check pool depths before diving and make sure water is clear before jumping in.
Be cautious
According to the RLSSA, ‘Be cautious around unfamiliar waters! Make sure you obey the signs or flags, check the conditions thoroughly before you swim and make sure you know your family's and your own limitations. If all of these factors don't check out, then DON'T GO IN!’
Last Reviewed: 18 October 2004
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