The Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving acknowledge National Water Safety Day today and the first day of Summer.
We encourage all Australians to remember the importance of staying safe and acting responsibly around the water across our nation.
Sadly, Summer is the peak season when most drownings occur in Australia. Last Summer, 101 people lost their lives due to drowning, with the season accounting for 34 per cent of all drowning deaths across 2020-21.
As the weather warms up, more of us will head to beaches, rivers and pools to cool off and have fun. But we should be celebrating the start of Summer, not preparing for yet more sadness.
Accidents in the water can be avoided if we all act responsibly and 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.
Our 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 these organisations, including lifeguards and lifesavers as well as over 45,000 volunteers contribute more than 1.3 million patrol hours each year, make a vital and greatly valued contribution to our nation. Last season alone, surf lifesavers and lifeguards performed over 8,000 rescues, and undertook more than 1.75 million preventative actions.
The Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving are committed to continuing to work with Australia’s peak water safety organisations to help Australians keep themselves and each other safe and prevent drowning deaths this Summer and into the future.
Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Co-Chair, Matt Thistlethwaite, said: “Summer should be a time of fun not sadness. As Australians flock to our beaches and water ways over the Summer please always remember to swim between the red and yellow flags, obey lifesavers instructions and never swim alone. Let’s celebrate this Summer and enjoy our great outdoors by staying safe around the water.”
Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Co-Chair, Jason Falinski said: “We all deserve some fun at the beach, in the rivers or pools with family and friends this Summer following prolonged lockdowns across the country. But please exercise swim safety. Too many Australians every year die from drownings. Don’t put your life or the life of others in danger this Summer.”
