General News
25 January, 2024
Ambulance Victoria issue water safety message
With fatal drownings increasing by 33 percent in the last financial year, Ambulance Victoria (AV) has warned residents to remain vigilant in and around waterways this summer. Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) 2022-23 drowning report states there were...
With fatal drownings increasing by 33 percent in the last financial year, Ambulance Victoria (AV) has warned residents to remain vigilant in and around waterways this summer.
Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) 2022-23 drowning report states there were 59 fatal drownings and 122 non-fatal drownings last financial year, a significant increase compared to the 10 year averages in those categories.
This includes a 14 percent increase of fatal drownings in inland waterways, and an 88 percent increase of fatal drownings where residents have died in their own postcode.
AV emergency management planning coordinator Loddon Mallee region, Justyne Kristic said residents need to be cautious about not putting themselves out of their own depth.
“Everyone does need to take responsibility and do their part to keep themselves and others safe, particularly in residential pools or dams,” she said.
“Loddon Mallee does have the highest inland rate of waterway drowning deaths across the state.
“If you ever see somebody in trouble, don’t enter the water, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
LSV found a general increase in drowning rates in older generations, with a slight decline in the zero to 15 age bracket.
Ms Kristic said overconfidence in swimming ability is placing some people in unnecessary danger.
“Statistics show that males aged 50 or above have the greatest risk alongside children — a key reason for that is of those fatal drownings, two-thirds involve alcohol or drug use,” she said.
“The key message is to not use alcohol or drugs and then enter the water or drive a boat or participate in water activities.
“Read the signs and familiarise yourself with the dangers in unknown waters as they may contain hazards such as snags or debris, and be aware, strong currents and the water temperature can be a lot colder then expected.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) have also preached inland waterwaysafety, urging people to not use its channels for recreation use.
GMW water delivery services general manager, Warren Blyth said swimming in the channels is never a safe activity.
“From the outside, a channel may seem safe, but there are many hazards beneath the surface that people need to be aware of,” he said.
“Debris, pipes, drains, submerged trees and rocks, and strong undercurrents can be present in any stretch of channel, and pose a significant threat to anyone who swims in them.
“The only way to ensure there are no incidents in our channels is for no one to swim in our channels. We ask everyone to do the right thing and stay safe.”