The Minister for Sport has issued a public warning to the community to take care swimming during the warm weather holidays and help reduce the number of tragic drownings across the nation.
The Minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Royal Lifesaving Summer Drowning Toll revealed 38 people had drowned in Australia’s waterways in December last year compared with 26 in the same period the year before.
Senator McKenzie said the number of drownings was unacceptably high.
She urged people to be more vigilant when swimming in the sea, pools and especially rivers and creeks.
“There are swimming and surf life-saving clubs right across the country teaching water safety,” the Minister said.
“I encourage people to get along, refresh their skills and re-qualify. I cannot reinforce enough the need to respect our waterways and surf conditions.”
She said that high temperatures at this time of year and the desire to cool off by swimming didn’t mean we can overlook the conditions when entering the water.
“In particular, and as someone who grew up in the country, we need to take extra care when swimming in rivers and creeks as there are many hidden dangers to look out for.”
