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Tragically, between July 2002 and June 2023, 17 individuals lost their lives to drowning in the Riverland region, with 16 of these fatalities occurring in the Murray River. Among the victims, nearly half drowned within five kilometres of their homes, and 30 per cent were aged between 18 and 34 years old. All were males.

Motivated by the number of drowning deaths in in the Riverland region and heeding calls from the Australian Water Safety Strategy for community-based action, a forum is being organised by Royal Life Saving to bring together key stakeholders to collaboratively develop a water safety strategy tailored to address the specific challenges contributing to drowning incidents in the area.

Royal Life Saving notes that “tragically, between July 2002 and June 2023, 17 individuals lost their lives to drowning in the Riverland region, with 16 of these fatalities occurring in the Murray River. Among the victims, nearly half drowned within five kilometres of their homes, and 30 per cent were aged between 18 and 34 years old. All were males.”

Government, industry and community groups involved with swimming and aquatic recreation in the region are encouraged to participate in a two-day roundtable event scheduled to take place in Renmark, South Australia on 6th-7th May 2024, offering an opportunity to contribute to the development of the local strategy.

Jake Culkin, Chief Executive Royal Life Saving - South Australia, emphasised the importance of crafting a strategy that acknowledges the unique circumstances of regional and inland communities.

Culkin elaborated “Inland communities face distinct challenges compared to their metropolitan and coastal counterparts. Waterways like the River Murray present different hazards, usage patterns, and recreational activities, such as the popularity of houseboats. The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 has motivated collaborative drowning prevention action at a national level, we are hopeful a local strategy will do the same for the Riverland."

Royal Life Saving is extending an invitation to all agencies, organisations, and individuals in the Riverland region who are interested in community water safety. Those in attendance will participate in the collaborative two-day roundtable to establish pathways for collective action towards making the Riverland safer.

To express an interest in attending, please complete this Expression of Interest Form by COB Monday, 15th April 2024

Image. Murray River. Credit: Royal Life Saving Inland Waterways Drowning Report 2023

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