Australia has witnessed one of the deadliest summers on record for drowning fatalities along our coastline. 49 people lost their lives on the Australian coastline this summer representing an 11 per cent increase on the 10-year average and a nine per cent increase from Summer 2019-20.
With three quarters of all drowning deaths occurring greater than 1 kilometre from a surf lifesaving service, SLSA General Manager Coastal Safety, Shane Daw ESM said the message is clear; you need to swim at patrolled beaches where possible.
A notable increase in these statistics is the rise of rock and cliff location drowning fatalities which accounted for 12 per-cent of the drowning fatalities which is a 83 per-cent increase on the 10 year average.
“Any drowning fatality is a tragedy not only to the family but to the surrounding community and therefore is it important for everyone to be vigilant in and around the coastline. said SLSCC Director of Lifesaving Simon Cusack.
With the Easter and school holidays a few weeks away Surf Life Saving Central Coast is urging the Central Coast community and visitors to follow these beach safety tips when near the coastline especially in the high-risk areas of The Entrance Channel, rock platforms and all unpatrolled locations.
To stay safe along our coastline, visit www.beachsafe.org.au and follow these safety tips
1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags
2. Always swim with a friend
3. Wear a lifejacket if you are going rock fishing, fishing, boating or on and around water
4. Read the safety signs
5. If you need help, stay calm, float, and raise your arm
6. Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice.
Statistics acquired from SLSA website blog 13th March 2021. https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-australia-pleads-with-beachgoers-to-swim-at-patrolled-beaches-after-one-of-the-deadliest-summers-on-record/