Campaign to combat drowning

A NEW advertising campaign is pushing to reduce drowning deaths, particularly among men.

The State Government’s “Unsinkable Guy” campaign draws attention to the fact that four out of five drowning deaths in Victoria in the last 10 years have involved men aged 25 to 64.

“Nobody is unsinkable, too many Victorians have been lost to water tragedies who could still be with their loved ones today,” minister for emergency services Jaclyn Symes said.

“We’re urging all Victorians to be alert to potential risks around water so that we can all have a safe and fun summer, but particularly men who tend to underestimate and misjudge the risks to themselves.

“We want all Victorians to enjoy our beautiful waterways this summer, but we also want them all to come home, the Unsinkable Guy reminds us all that there are still risks around water.”

The campaign features inflatable “unsinkable guys” highlighting the dangers of waterways, especially when alcohol is involved.

According to the campaign, men often underestimate drowning dangers to themselves and ignore water safety messages.

Ms Symes also launched the State Government’s new Water Safety Strategy, aimed at identifying and reducing risks at beaches, lakes, rivers and private pools and ponds.