LSV urges complete community effort to stop drownings

THE state’s lifesaving authority has revealed a worrying increase in drownings as the region enters its peak summer period.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) released figures from its 2023-24 Drowning Report which showed an increase in young and multicultural Victorians drownings across the state.

The rescue body is calling for a “whole-of-community effort”, in an attempt to stop the growing number of deaths at beaches, pools and waterways.

The largest increase in drownings in Victoria over the past year was recorded among 15 to 24-year-olds following 10 fatalities, double the average drowning rate in the past decade.

Life Saving Victoria chief executive officer Cath Greaves said the drowning report should motivate Victorians to stay safe and responsible in the water.

“Our community collectively shudders at this sharp increase in drowning deaths, particularly among teenagers and young adults.

“We need a community-wide effort to reach out to our young people and halt this disturbing trend.

“We must support our multicultural communities by breaking down language and cultural barriers, building water safety abilities and fostering role models so all Victorians can enjoy the water safely.

“This report must harden our resolve as a community to arrest the number of lives tragically cut short, and the heartbreaking impacts that are felt far and wide from every drowning incident.”

Seventeen deaths were recorded among people aged 25 to 44 which was the highest number of any age group and the highest death count for this cohort in 20 years.

Victoria also had the highest number of drownings among multicultural communities since records began, with 21 fatalities.

According to the LSV annual report, volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards performed 849 rescues in 2023-24, the highest number on record, and responded to 1,321 first aid cases.

To read the full LSV Drowning Report for 2023-24, head to lsv.com.au/drowning-report-2024