Fifty-three people have drowned in Victorian between July 2021 and June 2022, according to the latest report from Life Saving Victoria (LSV).
The report indicated that people were not wearing lifejackets in 55 per cent of boating-related drowning deaths during the past decade, and that they were worn incorrectly in a further 23 per cent of fatalities.
Inland waterways were once again named the most dangerous aquatic environments in the state, with 40 per cent of all drownings occurring in rivers, creeks, streams, or lakes, while drownings that occurred while boating or fishing at these locations increased by 50 per cent.
While males continued to be overrepresented in the drowning statistics, there has been a steady increase in the number of females drowning, with the drowning rate for females now 19 per cent higher than the past decade’s average.
LSV’s manager research and evaluation Dr Hannah Calverley shared a number of tips residents, including those in Wyndham, should utilise in order to keep safe when near bodies of water.
“That’s 53 too many, my heart goes out to everyone affected,” she said.
“We’re urging Victorians to be vigilant around water to help put an end to drownings and prevent further tragedy.
Some water safety tips include:
• Always wear an appropriate, well-maintained, and well-fitted lifejacket when boating and
fishing, and have a way to raise the alarm if you need help.
• Wherever possible, swim with a friend at patrolled locations during patrolled times, including
between the red and yellow flags at beaches.
• Actively supervise children around water, keeping under-fives within arm’s reach and under
10s in eyesight.
• Check the weather conditions before entering the water and leave alcohol or other drugs until
after you’ve left.
