Figures released by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia today show that 51 people have been victims of fatal drowning since the start of December in waterways around the country.
Across the same period in the Sydney region alone, Royal Life Saving is aware of 28 non-fatal drownings. With every drowning preventable, Royal Life Saving urges all Australians to be safe when enjoying the water this Australia Day long weekend.
‘We traditionally see a spike in drownings across the warmer months and the holiday period when more people are swimming, fishing, boating and relaxing near water’, says Royal Life Saving’s CEO Justin Scarr.
‘Tragically, so far this summer we have seen 51 drowning deaths. We urge everyone celebrating this Australia Day long weekend to look after each other and help us prevent any further drowning deaths this Summer.”
‘Royal Life Saving is aware of 33 non-fatal drownings across this period, with 9 non-fatal drownings reported on New Year’s day alone.
We believe this is the tip of the iceberg and will continue our efforts in promoting drowning prevention tips and raising awareness within the community of the impact of both fatal and non-fatal drowning.
#DontDrinkAndSink
A advertising campaign hitting screens this summer sees Erin Molan, Ellie Jean Coffey, Corbin Harris and Dan Ewing join forces to un-endorse “Sinkers” in a new campaign to raise awareness of adolescent drowning deaths involving alcohol.
Australians are known around the world for our love of the water so with the temperature rising and the festive season in full swing its time to remind our young adults that alcohol and swimming form a dangerous cocktail.
And in true ‘down under style’ Royal Life Saving NSW have enlisted the help of four influential media personalities to participate in the ”Sinkers” Campaign created by 303Lowe, aimed at using humour to raise awareness and reduce alcohol related drownings in people aged 15-29.
The “Sinkers” campaign and fronted by Channel 9 Journalist Erin Molan, Pro Surfer Ellie Jean Coffey, Pro Skateboarder and TV Presenter Corbin Harris and Actor Dan Ewing, is set to inspire Gen Y to let people know alcohol and water do not mix.
Alcohol is a factor in 41% of drowning deaths in people aged 15-29 and can happen anywhere and at any time: Swimming; surfing; boating; fishing; sailing; camping by the river; even in the backyard pool. “Sinkers” is tackling the issue head on using social media to talk to young Australians.
Royal Life Saving understand most people enjoy a drink to unwind and enjoy themselves however alcohol has been shown to significantly increase the risk of drowning. Therefore, getting the message out this summer is vitally important.
Royal Life Saving and their “Sinkers” Ambassadors are urging people to take the pledge and think twice before mixing alcohol and swimming. #DontDrinkAndSink.
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