The Christmas and New Year holidays have resulted in disaster on NSW waters for some. Royal Life Saving NSW (RLS NSW) has warned people to be more prepared in the summer months of 2024. It is crucial to know the risks and limitations around the water to ensure water safety is a priority. 

Last Summer, 17 per cent of all drownings occurred during heatwaves and on weekends, and 100 per cent of fatalities happened in unpatrolled areas. Men form 83 per cent of that number. RLS encourages men to check in with their fitness levels, know their abilities, check in with their mates and consider learning CPR or first aid.

“Last Summer’s drowning toll set a tragic record, and this summer is already on track to surpassing that, with 42 tragedies in Australian waterways since 1st of December.” said Craig Roberts,  RLS General Manager of Drowning Prevention and Education.

The RLS NSW provide five key safety messages for staying safe in the water:

• Know your limitations and the risks
• Never go alone
• Wear a life jacket when on the water and fishing
• Avoid alcohol
• Actively supervise children at all times 

Knowing your limitations applies in many different ways, and certain ages and stages of life. Different health and fitness levels, different weather and water conditions, medication and medical conditions must all be taken into consideration. Preparedness is key.

• Older adults account for a 64 per cent increase in drowning deaths in 2023. 
• Men represent a greater risk of drowning - making up 83 per cent of the total fatality toll
• Five per cent of deaths that occurred last year were rescue attempts that involved bystanders, family or friends. Acknowledging your ability to help someone in trouble and considering learning CPR and water safety and rescue skills is imperative to staying safe in a crisis.
• Pools are the leading location of deaths for children under five years old and adults over 75.

Providing children with ongoing and regular swimming lessons helps to cultivate and maintain their skills in the water. It is crucial to keep young children under constant supervision and within arms reach. 

“We are lucky to have so many ways to enjoy the water in NSW - whether fishing, cooling off in a pool, gathering at a river, lake or beach, you can make the most of these wonderful community assets by learning the risks.” Though if you are socialising in and around the water this Summer, you must be prepared.

Who is most at risk:

• Men represent 83 per cent of all drownings in Australia
• Alcohol is involved in 16 per cent of all drowning fatalities
• Long weekends account for a spike in the drowning toll
• Over 65s are represent a 43 per cent increase in drownings over a 20 year average
• Four out of 10 primary school leavers are unable to tread water for two minutes
• Regional areas experienced a 1.7x increase in drownings compared to metro areas

More statistics can be found in The National Drowning Report from September 2023 which can be found here. 

To find out more and ensure you are Summer ready you can find more information at the Royal Life Saving website.