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read moreFollowing an increase in fatal and non-fatal inland drownings in Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and Life Saving Victoria continue to call for caution in and around inland waterways this summer.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV)’s 2022-23 drowning report shows there were 19 fatal drownings at inland waterways during the last financial year – a 14% increase on the 10-year average.
There were also 12 non-fatal drownings at Victorian inland waterways – a 13% increase on the 10-year average.
Local populations at holiday hotspots such as townships along the Murray River can double or even triple during the summer months, however, LSV Research and Evaluation Manager Dr Hannah Calverley said even locals are at risk of inland water incidents.
Dr Calverley noted “In Victoria, inland waterways record just as many, if not more, fatal drownings as our coastal locations.
“What’s more concerning, is over a third of inland drownings occur within the person’s own residential postcode - it’s locals drowning in their local waterways.
“It’s important to not be complacent about water safety wherever you are, be that at home or visiting the local river or lake.”
Rivers and lakes present many unique drowning risks and Ambulance Victoria (AV) Director Emergency Management Justin Dunlop said it’s important to be aware of the hazards to avoid putting yourself at risk.
Dunlop advised “getting in trouble while swimming in a river, lake or dam isn’t the only danger – a lot of our call outs to inland waterways are where people have unintentionally found themselves in a body of water from things such as slips and falls.
“We’ve seen several cases such as people tripping and falling into a marina or lake while attempting to board a houseboat, which have resulted in fractured bones.
“These situations can be more dangerous, because the patient is totally unprepared to be in that body of water and can sustain significant injuries.”
Around two-thirds of drownings at inland waterways involve alcohol or drug use.
Dr Calverley added that unexpected water entries were a real concern all year round.
“While summer is a busy time, incidents can also occur during cooler months, with a significant portion of these cases resulting from accidental entry where the individual never intended to get into the water,” she added.
“It’s crucial here that when visiting waterways people take note of their surroundings and stay away from the water’s edge to avoid slipping in.
“Children also need to be actively and constantly supervised around all water, appropriate lifejackets should be worn when boating and fishing, and alcohol should be avoided until after you’ve finished being around the water to ensure you remain vigilant.”
Dunlop said people planning to visit rivers and lakes this summer can prepare themselves by knowing how to get help in remote areas and learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“If you see someone in trouble in the water, call Triple Zero (000),” he said.
“If you’re in a remote location, you can also use the Emergency Plus app, which uses smart phones’ in-built GPS functionality to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide location details.
“Open the app and you’ll be able to tell the call taker your location coordinates, as well as three words which can be used to pinpoint your exact location.”
Ambulance Victoria shares the following on how to stay safe around inland waterways this summer:
6th June 2023 - Life Saving Victoria urges winter boaters and fishers to remain vigilant
23rd April 2023 - Life Saving Victoria offers sales discount on floatation devices
5th April 2023 - Life Saving Victoria calls for vigilance over Easter
6th February 2023 - Victorian surfers save hundreds from drowning each year
3rd February 2023 - Life Saving Victoria warns swimmers of hidden dangers beneath the surface
10th January 2023 - Life Saving Victoria reiterates the importance of supervision as child drowning risk identified
7th January 2024 - Emergency Response Beacon activated to prevent rip drownings
28th December 2023 - NSW acting Premier plays down safety fears after Penrith Beach drowning
8th December 2023 - Global drowning prevention initiatives showcased at Perth Conference
5th December 2023 - Global water safety community converges on Perth with a mission to end drowning
2nd December 2023 - Rip Current Survival documentary to get premiere at World Conference on Drowning Prevention
9th November 2023 - Launching its Keep Watch water safety campaign Royal Life Saving warns of child drowning risk
15th September 2023 - Latest National Drowning report reveals rise of deaths among older men
3rd August 2023 - Blacktown City Council raises water safety awareness on World Drowning Prevention Day
25th July 2023 - AUSTSWIM marks World Drowning Prevention Day with call for more Australians to become swim teachers
16th April 2023 - Surf Life Saving NSW urges water safety vigilance following drownings on Easter Sunday
25th July 2022 - Life Saving Victoria raises awareness on this World Drowning Prevention Day
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