Drowning prevention in focus at forum

A FORUM organised by Life Saving Victoria (LSV) that took place in Bendigo last week addressed drowning prevention for rivers, lakes, dams and other inland waterways across the state.

Almost one third (28 per cent) of all fatal drowning incidents in the 2024-25 financial year so far have occurred at inland waterways, and the trend remains high across the medium and long term.

A total of 323 people drowned in Australian waterways during 2024.

The forum brought together government agencies, land and waterway managers, emergency services, the aquatic industry, as well as support sectors and agencies.

LSV aquatic capability general manager Andy Dennis said one drowning is one too many, and that the assembly represented an opportunity to examine factors that contribute to drownings and water-related injuries.

“There are a range of factors contributing to drowning fatalities in inland waterways, and we must work as a community to address these,” he said.

The event was delivered by Life Saving Victoria as part of the Inland Communities Water Safety Program with the support of Royal Life Saving Australia and the Federal Government.

The program is designed to engage with regional, remote and inland communities, and aims to develop localised prevention interventions and deliver water safety programs to communities who miss out or are at increased risk.

It focuses on collaborating with and building the capacity of local stakeholders to address water safety challenges and implement community-driven solutions.

Further information about the program is available on the Royal Life Saving Australia website.