Royal Life Saving NSW says that as another scorching summer approaches, the service is preparing communities to avoid the alarming spike in drowning incidents witnessed last year.
RLS NSW has issued a simple, Summer-Ready Checklist of tips for a safer summer.
The Summer-Ready Checklist provides four crucial tips for spring – whether people plan travel to an inland waterway, to the coast, enjoy a backyard or community pool.
RLS NSW ACT TAS General Manager of Drowning Prevention, Craig Roberts, said preparation can help us avoid another tragic summer. ‘Our Summer-Ready Checklist is a simple reminder of what to do before heading to the beach, coast, pool, or inland waterway.
‘In the lead-up to summer, checklists with advice for pool owners, families, regional communities and over-65s will be appearing at councils and community organisations around the state and online.’
No matter where you go to enjoy the water, now is the time to: learn to swim; get active, and check in with your health; learn CPR; check around your home and pool.
57 per cent of drowning fatalities were over 45 years old
Mr Roberts says the latest National Drowning Report found 57 per cent of drowning fatalities last year occurred in people over 45 years old. The second highest cause of drowning fatalities was slips and falls.
‘These tragedies are powerful reminders that even if you don’t intend to swim, learning or brushing up on swimming and lifesaving skills at any age can keep you and your family safe.
‘While national drowning rates decreased in 22-23 from the 10-year average, NSW still suffers almost double the number of drownings than QLD and VIC, and triple the rate of WA, with 107 lives lost in 22-23.
Mr Roberts says he wants people of all ages and from all regions, to be ready and able to enjoy the water safely, and that starts now. ‘Check in with your family, friends, sporting and school groups to get your community Summer-Ready.’
The summer-ready checklist is available online now.
