Safety experts are warning Australians and international visitors to be careful near waterways and pools this long-weekend, with new research showing that Australia Day is one of the worst days of the year for drowning deaths and near misses.
The research, led by UNSW Sydney and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, is the first of its kind to use linked data to calculate both fatal and non-fatal drowning numbers in NSW on different days of the year.
The research analysed over 4100 drowning incidents over 12 years up to June 2022. Researchers found that drownings were more common on public holidays, weekends and school holidays.
The Australia Day and New Year’s Day public holidays had the most drownings, accounting for almost five percent of cases over the study period, with 86 and 111 incidents respectively across both the actual and observed public holidays.
Experts attributed the higher number of incidents to more people visiting beaches and rivers during time off, particularly amid warmer weather, but warned increased alcohol consumption on public holidays was also a contributing factor.
The findings back up research from Life Saving Victoria (LSV), which says the risk of drowning in Victorian waterways roughly doubles on public holidays.
They are encouraging everyone to swim at patrolled locations, between the flags, not to swim alone and to always supervise children around water.
LSV recommends down loading the Beachsafe app to find a safe place to swim.
Over the weekend, life guards and volunteer life savers will be on duty across Phillip Island and Bass Coast. LSV said across the state, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, rescue water craft and remote piloted aircraft systems teams will be deployed.
So far this summer, 14 people have drowned in Victorian waterways, More than half (54 per cent) occurred in coastal settings, while about a third (31 per cent were in inland waterways.
Top tips for staying safe near the water this Australia Day:
- Don’t drink and swim – alcohol increases your drowning risk
- Never swim alone - take a friend and keep an eye on one another
- Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags
- If you get into trouble, keep calm, float and signal for help by raising your hand
- Never let children swim unsupervised, even if they are strong swimmers
- Learn how to spot a rip and know what to do if you get caught in one
- Wear a lifejacket when boating, using watercraft or rock fishing
- Avoid swimming at night
To find a save place to swim, download the Beachsafe app.
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