The Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving today acknowledge National Water Safety Day and the first day of Summer.
We encourage all Australians to play it safe this Summer and be responsible on, in and around the water.
Summer is the peak season when most drownings occur in Australia. Last Summer, 145 people drowned with the season accounting for 42 per cent of all drowning deaths across 2021-22.
Every drowning death is preventable. Accidents in the water can be avoided if we all follow basic water safety rules:
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach and obey the instructions of lifesavers
Always supervise children on, in and around water at all times
Avoid alcohol and drugs while undertaking water activities
Wear a lifejacket if you are going boating, rock fishing, or on watercraft.
Leading water safety authorities, including Surf Life Saving Australia and Royal Life Saving Society Australia, play an important role in helping to keep Australians safe in and around the water.
The dedicated efforts of lifeguards, lifesavers and volunteers make a vital and greatly valued contribution to our nation.
Last Summer, surf lifesavers and lifeguards performed 9,000 rescues and undertook more than 1.6 million preventative actions.
The Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving are working with Australia’s peak water safety organisations to help prevent drowning deaths this Summer.
Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Co-Chair, Matt Thistlethwaite, said: “Summer should be a time of celebration, not sadness. As Australians flock to our beaches and water ways this Summer, please swim between the red and yellow flags, obey lifesavers instructions and never swim alone. Let’s enjoy our great outdoors over this Summer and many more by staying safe around the water.”
Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Co-Chair, Angie Bell, said: “As the weather turns warmer, it’s important that we thank our surf lifesavers who play a vital role keeping our community safe. This Summer, please remember to swim on patrolled beaches, swim between the flags, look out for your friends and family, stay safe and have fun.”
