The number of inland waterway drownings doubles on public holidays.
Of all the drownings that occur in Australia each year, men are four times more likely to be a victim, with more than a quarter of those that have drowned having a blood alcohol content of more than 0.05 per cent.
Royal Life Saving Australia is calling for men to ‘make the right call’ and look after their mates to keep each other safe when enjoying this country’s beautiful inland waterways.
Royal Life Saving Australia chief executive officer Justin Scarr said there were three key things men could do to make sure they got home to their loved ones safely at the end of a great day out.
“The biggest single factor is alcohol,” Mr Scarr said.
“If you’ve had a few drinks, your co-ordination levels drop and you lose your inhibitions.
“If your boat tips, a wave hits you, or the conditions change rapidly you need to be able to think clearly and quickly, and your reflexes and co-ordination need to be at their best so you can get yourself to safety.
“Leave the booze until safely away from the water, look out for your mates and pull them into line if they’re under the influence and think about not doing something reckless near water.”
Mr Scarr said there was no excuse for not wearing a lifejacket, as it could be the difference between life and death.
His third safety tip was to not go alone.
“Whenever you’re on, in, or near the water, having someone with you to help in the event of an emergency is vital,” he said.
“There are so many factors we can’t control — medical incidents, submerged items, sudden changes in the conditions — and having a mate with us will help improve the odds of getting home safely.”
Since December 1, 2022, 17 people have drowned in NSW alone, with 43 people across the country drowning so far this summer.
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