Swim between the flags this Christmas

DECEMBER is Water Safety Month, and Life Saving Victoria is urgently reminding beach users to swim between the flags.

As part of the month the organisation is raising awareness of the risks associated with swimming and recreational activities in coastal and inland waterways.

Life Saving Victoria’s manager of lifesaving response, Liam O’Callaghan, said it was important for people to understand their limitations.

“All beaches can be dangerous, but most importantly, if you are unsure, find your local patrolled location,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

Last summer, Australia recorded 90 drowning deaths, with many more hospitalised due to non-fatal drowning incidents.

A significant 25 percent of these drownings occurred between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

“As we come into the holiday period, we do know that the likelihood of people drowning unfortunately increases by 68% on public holidays in Victoria,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

Research published in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nationally the risk of coastal death more than doubled on public holidays and was even higher on long weekends.

Children under 16 years were most vulnerable, with their risk of dying on the coast tripling over public holidays and long weekends compared to other times.

Dr Jasmin Lawes, co-author of the article, identified specific high-risk activities.

“On long weekends, scuba diving and snorkelling were particularly associated with an increased risk of drowning or death, whereas on public holidays we saw greater risk associated with swimming, wading, and bystander rescues,” Dr Lawes said.

Men, particularly those aged over 45, are urged to take particular care before entering the water.

“In Victoria, 58 per cent of those who drown are aged over 45 and two-thirds are male,” Mr O’Callaghan said. “I think there is a real overestimation of ability that comes into that.”

“We encourage people to know their limits but also swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled locations when you’re heading down to the beach.”