TIMELY REMINDER TO RESPECT THE RIVER AND BE SAFE THIS NEW YEAR

With the New Year just about to start, it is timely to remind all Australians to be safe when swimming and to respect the river to reduce the number of drownings.

 

According to the Royal Lifesaving Summer Drowning Toll, 38 people have drowned in Australia’s waterways in past 29 days, compared with 26 this time last year.[1]

 

Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie said the number of drownings was unacceptably high and urged Australians to be more vigilant when swimming in the sea, pools and especially rivers and creeks.

 

“There are swimming and surf life-saving clubs right across the country teaching water safety. I encourage people to get along, refresh their skills and re-qualify, I’ve scheduled my surf life-saving re-refresher course at my local club at Inverloch. I cannot reinforce enough the need to respect our waterways and surf conditions,” Minister McKenzie said.

 

“At this time of year when the temperature is high, the desire to cool off by swimming doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t over-look the conditions and take care when entering the water.

 

“In particular, and as someone who grew up in the country, we need to take extra care when swimming in rivers and creeks as there are many hidden dangers to look out for.”

 

The Government has committed funding of $36.9 million through the Water and Snow Safety Program from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021.

 

This includes more than $4 million towards inland waterways drowning prevention initiatives with the Royal Life Saving Society.

 

The Royal Life Saving Society Respect the River Project is working across Australia to prevent drowning and promote safe Aquatic Recreation in Australian Inland Waterways.

Royal Life Saving Society research shows an 18 per cent reduction in river drowning deaths since the project began.

 

Key activities in the community include:

 

·         Engaging with local stakeholders to develop drowning prevention strategies

·         Delivering swimming and water safety programs in key communities

·         Conducting risk assessments of river blackspots and developing a targeted action plan

·         Participating in local events to educate the community

 

Through Sport 2030, the Government has also committed to working with state and territory education ministers to ensure all children have access to learn to swim programs in primary school as part of the ‘Building a more active Australia’ vision.

 

Further information can be found at: