Australians are being urged to 'show the water respect' after a spate of drownings over the festive period. Ten people have drowned in Australia's waterways since Christmas Eve, including two on New Year’s Day. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) reports 47 drownings since the beginning of summer, a 52 per cent increase compared to last year.
Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie emphasized the need for caution. 'At this time of year, when we’re all rushing to our nearest river or beach to cool down, sometimes we forget to be safe,' she said. 'Sometimes our waterways can become very treacherous without knowing, such as sandbanks changing position and snags in rivers. They can look safe from the shore, when they definitely aren’t.'
Six of the 10 drownings since Christmas Eve have been in Victoria, and all victims were men. Senator McKenzie noted that too many of these statistics are young men aged 18-35 who think they are invincible. She urged them to look after their mates.
RLSS national manager of research and policy Amy Peden cited heavy rainfall in Northern Australia and sustained high temperatures in southern states as contributing factors. She stressed the importance of swimming at patrolled areas, being mindful of swimming ability, and looking for potential hazards. 'If you are not sure about the types of hazards at a swimming location, you should look out for warning signs or consider talking to locals who might know the area better,' she said.
Senator McKenzie called on migrants and tourists to take up water safety programs, as people born outside Australia account for one in four drowning deaths. Fifteen such individuals have drowned since the start of summer, up 37 per cent. The federal government will provide more than $36 million over three years to support water safety organisations like RLSS and AUSTSWIM, which offer programs in languages other than English.
Three men from an extended family, some visiting from India, drowned at Moonee Beach in New South Wales on December 17 after entering the water to help teenagers caught in a rip. Senator McKenzie urged all Australians to respect the water and stay safe.
