Stay safe near water

A NON-FATAL drowning in Torquay last week has highlighted why everyone should be safe near the water to avoid further loss of life.

Anglesea real estate agent Trent Ludlow went to the aid of a young child who was struggling in the water at Cosy Corner on Thursday afternoon.

The child was rescued but eventually taken to hospital by ambulance, and Mr Ludlow said the incident was a reminder for parents and the whole community to be very vigilant around water, even in places such as Cosy Corner where the water is only knee deep.

According to the Royal Life Saving Society’s Summer Drowning Toll, there have been 40 drowning deaths across Australia between December 1, 2017 and January 14 this year – 29 on the coast, seven inland, three in swimming pools and one elsewhere.

Royal Life Saving research shows that for every fatal drowning, a further three people will be hospitalised as a result of a on-fatal drowning incident.