SWIMMERS and boaties face an increased risk of drowning this weekend.
Life Saving Victoria has issued a warning to people heading out in the state’s waterways this King’s Birthday weekend. It says that Victorians are 68 per cent more likely to drown on a public holiday compared to other days of the year.
LSV research and evaluation manager Dr Hannah Calverley says that the colder weather can make people complacent. “With Melbourne winter getting underway, your risk of death by drowning may be the last thing on your mind, especially if you are fishing or boating and don’t plan on entering the water, however, you can never relax when it comes to water safety,” she said.
“Unintentional entry was a factor in 41 per cent of fatal drownings in the past decade and concerningly, in about four in five boating related drowning deaths during this time, the victims were not wearing a lifejacket, or their lifejacket was ill-fitting or incorrect for the activity or conditions. This is why lifejackets are a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment for anyone boating or fishing, to buy you time to survive should you end up in the water. You wouldn’t hesitate to put on your seatbelt when getting in the car and you should think of wearing your lifejacket while on the boat equally as important.”
Safe Transport Victoria manager of recreational boating safety Gareth Johnson has warned people to be careful if swimming in cold weather. “Suddenly entering cold water can be life threatening, with the risk of boaters experiencing cold shock and hypothermia,” he said. “You need to be able to get back on your boat or paddlecraft quickly or be able to call for help straight away.”
52 people have drowned in Victoria since 1 July last year, eleven more than the ten-year average.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 7th June 2023
