By Jamie Salter
One in four Australians admit they are weak swimmers or can’t swim at all, according to research from Royal Life Saving Society.
It comes as the nation faces a spike in drowning deaths since the start of summer with 43 people drowning – a 23 per cent increase on the same time last year.
The Christmas to New Year period (to January 3) claimed the lives of at least 20 people, twice as many people as the same period last year.
Thirteen (65 per cent) of those incidents occurred at inland waterways including rivers, lakes, and dams.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia chief executive officer Justin Scarr said at the halfway point of summer, the safety message was more important than ever.
“Few people appreciate just how dangerous our inland waterways can be, particularly those who lack swimming skills and knowledge of local water conditions,” Mr Scarr said.
“The calm appearance can often hide steep drop-offs, currents, and debris, and create a false sense of safety relative to beaches.
“Currents can easily drag people into deeper water at rivers, lakes and the beach, where they are unable to stay afloat long enough for rescue or swim their way to safety.”
Poor swimming skills are thought to be a major factor in drowning over summer – and the lack of skills isn’t limited to children.
Royal Life estimates 40 per cent of children leave primary school not being able to swim 50 metres or float for two minutes – basic water safety benchmarks.
“The results of our research is staggering and sadly, we may be seeing that in the increase in drowning incidents over summer,” Mr Scarr said.
Peninsula Leisure chief executive officer Kath Thom said it was easy for adults to learn how to swim.
“The Peninsula Leisure Aquatic and Recreation Centre Frankston is a great community swimming pool, where all ages can learn to swim and be safer around water,” she said.
“We teach vital water safety skills and have welcoming and inclusive staff to support learning, particularly if you are learning at a later stage in life.
“If they (adults) are thinking about learning to swim, I urge then to contact your friendly local swimming pool and book into lessons today.”
Royal Life Saving is reminding Australians of the top five tips to enjoy the water safely:
1. Always supervise children around water
2. Avoid alcohol around water
3. Wear a life jacket when boating and fishing
4. Avoid going alone
5. Know the conditions
