MEDIA RELEASE – EMBARGOED AND NOT FOR USE
UNTIL FRIDAY 23 JANUARY, 2015
Figures released by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia today show that 51 people
have been victims of fatal drowning since the start of December in waterways around
the country. Across the same period in the Sydney region alone, Royal Life Saving is
aware of 28 non-fatal drownings. With every drowning preventable, Royal Life Saving
urges all Australians to be safe when enjoying the water this Australia Day long
weekend.
Royal Life Saving’s CEO Justin Scarr says “We traditionally see a spike in drownings
across the warmer months and the holiday period when more people are swimming,
fishing, boating and relaxing near water. Tragically, so far this summer we have seen
51 drowning deaths. We urge everyone celebrating this Australia Day long weekend to
look after each other and help us prevent any further drowning deaths this Summer.”
Justin Scarr continues “Royal Life Saving is aware of 33 non-fatal drownings across
this period, with 9 non-fatal drowningss reported on New Year’s day alone.
We believe this is the tip of the iceberg and will continue our efforts in promoting
drowning prevention tips and raising awareness within the community of the impact of
both fatal and non-fatal drowning.”
Figures released by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia today show that 51 people have been
victims of fatal drownings since the start of December. Across the same period in the Sydney region
alone, Royal Life Saving is aware of 33 non-fatal drownings. With every drowning preventable,
Royal Life Saving urges all Australians to be safe around the water this Australia Day long weekend.
Royal Life Saving’s CEO Justin Scarr says “We traditionally see a spike in drownings across the
warmer months and the holiday period. Tragically, so far this summer we have seen 51 drowning
deaths. We urge everyone celebrating this Australia Day long weekend to take care, avoid
unnecessary risks and be safe around the water.”
Between 1 December 2014 and 19 January 2015 (inclusive), Royal Life Saving has recorded 51
drowning deaths. For the previous Summer period there were 57 drowning deaths between 1
December 2013 and 31 January 2014 inclusive.
Men are most at risk, with 86% of all drowning deaths recorded across summer to date being males.
This reflects national annual trends that find men drown at 4.5 times the rate of women. Justin Scarr
says “Men need to stop taking unnecessary risks when swimming, fishing or boating across this
Australia Day long weekend. Don’t go swimming if you’ve been drinking, wear lifejackets when
boating or rock fishing and look after each other when recreating.”
Inland waterways claimed the largest number of lives over the Summer period, with 25 (49%)
drowning deaths to date, compared to 11 (22%) at beaches and 9 (18%) in the ocean. Royal Life
Saving reminds people of the dangers that rivers, creeks, lakes and dams can pose. Justin Scarr says
“Our rivers and lakes continue to claim too many lives in preventable tragedies. It’s important people
avoid alcohol prior to recreating in inland waterways and recognise the unique hazards they contain
such as cold murky water, submerged objects and changeable conditions. Do not underestimate the
risks that these hazards can pose.”
Royal Life Saving is aware of 33 non-fatal drownings in the Sydney region, with 9 incidents being
recorded on New Year’s Day alone. Fourteen of these cases were children under the age of 10, with
children under five in home swimming pools accounting for over three quarters of these reported
non-fatal drownings in children.
Justin Scarr, CEO Royal Life Saving says “Children drown quickly and silently, it is important that
children are actively supervised within arms’ reach at all times. Ensure the home swimming pool is
fenced with a correctly installed and regularly maintained pool fence with a self-closing and selflatching gate.”
Supervision of young children is also key at BBQs and social gatherings over this long weekend.
“Parents and carers of young children should always KEEP WATCH, ensure there is a designated
adult supervisor watching at all times and to ensure the person supervising has not been drinking
alcohol” Justin Scarr says.
Many families with young children may have purchased portable swimming pools over the Christmas
and New Year period. Royal Life Saving and consumer affairs agencies around the country remind
people of the drowning risk portable pools pose to young children. This Australia Day learn about the
risks these pose and ask yourself an important question – Can you “Make It Safe?”
If you are heading to unfamiliar aquatic locations over the Australia Day long weekend, ensure you
observe warning signs and be aware of the conditions before entering the water. Never swim alone
and if you are visiting the beach ensure you swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow
flags.
Members of the community who want more information on water safety and drowning prevention
strategies should go to www.royallifesaving.com.au.
Media enquiries to Media Key on 03 9769 6488
Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer and Amy Peden, National Manager – Research & Policy
are available to talk about this release.
Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll – Key Findings
 51 people have drowned in Australian waterways between 1 December 2014 and 19 January
2015 (inclusive)
 Last Summer there were 57 drowning deaths between 1 December 2013 to 31 January 2014
(inclusive)
 Royal Life Saving is also aware of 33 non-fatal drownings in the Sydney region across the
same period to date. 9 non-fatal drownings reported on New Year’s Day (1 January 2015)
alone.
Royal Life Saving’s Summer Drowning Prevention Tips
 Always actively supervise children around water
 Ensure swimming pools are fenced with a correctly installed and regularly
maintained pool fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate
 Portable pools pose a drowning risk for young children. Learn about the risks and
safety tips at www.royallifesaving.com.au/makeitsafe
 Never swim alone or undertake any form of aquatic activity under the influence of
drugs or alcohol
 When boating, always wear a PFD, check weather conditions before setting off and
tell someone where you are going and when you are due back
 Always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags