New data released by Surf Life Saving Australia showed that 630 people fatally drowned over the last 10 years at unpatrolled beaches, of which 85 per cent were male.
As families prepare to get away for the Easter holiday period, surf lifesavers are urging people to make coastal safety a priority when planning a holiday, with large numbers of people expected to visit unpatrolled beaches.
During peak public holidays, drowning risk is four times higher, and with three public holidays over the next two weeks, surf lifesavers are on high alert.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said of the 630 drowning deaths that occurred at beaches without an active lifesaving service, more than 400 occurred at beaches that are never patrolled throughout the year.
“Australia boasts more than 10,700 mainland beaches and unfortunately, our Surf Life Saving services can’t be at every beach and that is why we need water safety to be top of mind for anyone enjoying our coastline this Easter,” he said.
“Patrolled beaches are the safest place for people to swim and enjoy our oceans. But we know that Aussies and visitors to our country like to go off the beaten track to enjoy camping, fishing and other coastal activities.
“But these coastal locations can present dangers, some that you can see and some that you can’t, which is why we have some simple advice: Stop, Look, Stay Alive.”
Surf Life Saving Australia’s advice for the Easter Holidays:
– Bring a buddy so that you never swim alone.
– Have a plan for what to do in case of an emergency by checking for phone reception and public rescue equipment before entering the water.
– Check for rip currents and other hazards. (36 per cent of drowning deaths at unpatrolled beaches in the last decade were due to rip currents.)
– Check and obey all safety signage, even if you are familiar with the beach location.
Before visiting the beach this weekend, surf lifesavers want all Australians to complete their free online beach passport for basic training and to brush up on water safety knowledge – it could save your life.
