Consider safety before swimming

ROYAL Life Saving Australia is asking the community to consider risks before going swimming as hot late-summer weather continues.

Last summer 134 people died from drowning between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024 which is at least one person drowning per day.

At the time of publication, there have been 94 drowning deaths since 1 December 2024 compared to 88 at the same time last year.

“Whether you’re planning a day at the river, an afternoon by the pool, or a beachside holiday, the choices you make before you leave can save lives,” Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr said.

Older adults are the most vulnerable with 39 per cent of last summer’s drowning deaths being people aged 55 and over, as are people born overseas made up 27 per cent of deaths.

The community is advised to not overestimate swimming abilities, decide who will be actively supervising children, avoid alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising and check the weather forecast and be prepared to change plans.

People should always wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing and kayaking, never go alone and swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.