Australia's peak water safety body is issuing an urgent plea for vigilance this holiday season, following a tragic summer where 139 people lost their lives to drowning. The stark figures reveal that nearly one person drowned every single day across the nation's waterways.
A Tragic Festive Toll
Royal Life Saving Australia has revealed a particularly devastating statistic: 19 fatalities occurred in the brief period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day last year. The majority of these tragedies unfolded as families travelled to explore new areas, with over half of all summer drownings happening more than 100 kilometres from the victim's home.
Among the heartbreaking stories from last season were Mohammad Shahidul Husan Swapan and Sabrina Ahmed, a husband and wife who drowned at Conspicuous Beach in Nornalup while attempting to save their daughter. In January, 17-year-old Tyler Jury died after becoming trapped under a pontoon at Lake Leschenaultia in Western Australia. Members of the public searched for an hour before recovering his body. Just days later, 43-year-old Ricky Harris lost his life at Bremer Bay's Native Dog Beach after heroically running into the water to rescue two children caught in a rip.
Hidden Dangers in Popular Holiday Spots
Peter Leaversuch, Chief Executive of Royal Life Saving WA, emphasised that the festive exodus to regions like the South West brings unique risks. He warned that conditions at inland waterways and unpatrolled coasts can change in an instant. "The benign conditions don't really tell the full story," Mr Leaversuch stated. "Winds can take you further from shore, or a current can move you into a more perilous position."
With Perth forecast to sizzle through a 40C Christmas Eve and 41C Christmas Day, more people are expected to seek relief in the water. Mr Leaversuch noted this often leads to crowded main beaches, prompting some to seek out quieter, unpatrolled spots or swim into the evening, increasing the risk.
Critical Safety Advice for Families
The safety message is twofold: constant supervision and skill preparation. Parents are urged to maintain unwavering focus on children near water. "Make sure you're almost in the water with them... and know who's actually doing the watching," Leaversuch advised, highlighting the ease of distraction during holidays.
He also addressed the popular trend of new Christmas gifts like paddleboards and canoes. "If you haven't developed those base skills, you could get into trouble," he cautioned, recommending newcomers join local clubs to learn essential tips from volunteers before heading out.
Royal Life Saving Australia's CEO, Dr Justin Scarr, identified the holiday period as one of the riskiest for drowning. "People relax, kids explore, plans are spontaneous. Alcohol is often involved and routines are disrupted," Dr Scarr said. This dangerous combination elevates the risk, particularly at rivers, lakes, backyard pools, and beaches without lifeguards.
The overarching message from water safety authorities this summer is simple yet vital: know your limits, never swim alone, actively watch children, avoid alcohol around water, and choose patrolled locations whenever possible.
