Water safety
After 302 Australian lives were lost to drowning between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 – a 16 per cent increase on the year before – the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) has urgently called for improved water safety. Some of the measures needed to improve water safety include:
- increased parental awareness;
- a greater emphasis on swimming and water safety education; and
- extreme caution when swimming in rivers, lakes and dams.
The drowning statistics for 2008 to 2009 tell the story in each of the age groups.
- 0-4 years: 32 drownings. Most of these drownings occurred after toddlers fell or wandered into water, often in swimming pools where access was not restricted.
- 5-14 year old age group: 11 drownings. Water safety and lifesaving education is vital for all school children.
- 15-34 year olds: the traditional risk-taking and alcohol consuming group — 84 drownings.
- 35-54 year olds: 80 drownings.
- 55+ years: 94 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.
- Never swim directly after a meal.
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Never swim at night.
- Never run or dive in the water, even if you have checked the depth before. Water conditions can change.
- If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Raise your arm to signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
- 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.
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 drownings for children under 5 years. In the under-5 age group, 19 children drowned in swimming pools between July 2008 and June 2009. Because children in this age group can quickly and quietly find their way into pools, it is 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 and lock the gate. RLSSA also recommends that parents and children undertake water familiarisation classes.
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.
Last Reviewed: 21 July 2010
- 1. Royal Life Saving Society Australia. 2009 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report. Available at: http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/2269-2009-national-drowning-report.asp (accessed 2010, Jul 12)
2. Surf Live Saving Australia [website]. Beach safety. Available at: http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=beachsafety (accessed 2010, Jul 12)
3. Royal Life Saving Society Australia [website]. Fact sheet No. 7 – Home pool safety. Available at: http://www.royallifesaving.com.au//resources/documents/p7_print.pdf (accessed 2010, Jul 12)
4. Royal Life Saving Society Australia [website]. Fact sheet No. 9 – Inland waterways safety. Available at: http://www.royallifesaving.com.au//resources/documents/No._9_Inland_Waterways_Safety_-_2010.pdf (accessed 2010, Jul 12)
