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Key Royal Life Saving research shows drowning risk of dams, ponds and irrigation channels

Key Royal Life Saving research shows drowning risk of dams, ponds and irrigation channels
July 22, 2022

Major new analysis from Royal Life Saving Society - Australia has revealed the shows the significant drowning risks presented by dams, ponds and irrigation channels.

With an average of 168 people annual drownings in regional and remote Australia over the past 19 years - representing 60% of all drowning deaths have been in regional and remote Australia - Royal Life Saving says that while many people are very aware of the risks posed by flooding but sometimes forget about the everyday risks.

The organisation also warns that flooding wreaking havoc on properties across Australia, the immediate risks from flood water are not the only drowning risk on farms.

Royal Life Saving’s National Manager - Research & Policy, Stacey Pidgeon says Farm Safety Week is the right time for people to think about key risk factors noting that there are low cost or no cost safety precautions people can take on a farm to reduce the risk of drowning.

Pidgeon stated “people are aware of the risks posed by flooding and tend to take precautions when floods are peaking, or during the cleaning up period, but they forget the everyday risks.

“Swimming pools can be fenced, but it’s not that easy when you’ve got irrigation channels, dams, or ponds. However, there are some low or no cost safety precautions that people can take on their farms to reduce the risk of drowning.

“If you have young children, having an enclosed child safe play area close to the house so they can’t wander off is important. Put up close the gate signs as that visual prompt to make sure visitors don’t accidentally leave an access way open.

“If you need to do some work near an irrigation channel, pond, or dam, don’t go alone. If something unexpected happens and you fall into the water having someone who can respond straight away can literally be the difference between life and death.

“Don’t go for a swim alone. With all the wet weather that we’ve had across Australia, erosion has changed the conditions and previously safe swimming places might no longer be suitable.”

Related Articles

7th June 2022 - Counting down to World Drowning Prevention Day 2022

22nd April 2022 - Royal Life Saving contributes to new research highlighting global drowning prevention

25th March 2022 - Royal Life Saving promotes round table event to address drowning prevention measures in North Queensland

8th January 2022 - Poor adult swimming skills contribute to summer drownings

4th January 2022 - Sport Minister Richard Colbeck makes safety plea after holiday drownings

8th September 2021 - Lockdowns contribute to rise in Australian drowning deaths during past year

19th July 2021 - New data reveals dam drowning risk

30th April 2021 - United Nations passes first ever Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention

9th April 2021 - Australian Water Safety Council seeks local government backing to help reduce drownings

30th September 2020 - CQU researcher seeks input with study into drowning prevention strategies

5th October 2017 - Tweed Shire Council concerned over ‘illegal waterslide’ at NSW’s Clarrie Hall dam

24th March 2016 - Royal Life Saving highlights river safety for Easter long weekend

23rd February 2016 - Royal Life Saving warns of drowning dangers in inland water

25th October 2015 - Murray River the number one river drowning black spot in Australia


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