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Gippslanders urged to prioritise water safety for Labor Day long weekend following record number of drownings this summer

Ahead of the Labour Day weekend, Gippslanders are reminded to prioritise water safety, with an increased risk of drowning on public holidays. Follow lifeguard advice, stay informed, and make responsible choices for a safer holiday.

By news@gippsland - 8th March 2024 - Back to News

As Victorians prepare to enjoy the Labour Day long weekend, experts are issuing a critical reminder to prioritise water safety, particularly with crowds expected to gather at beaches, pools, and lakes in celebration of the public holiday. Recent research has revealed a concerning statistic - Victorians face almost double the risk of drowning on a public holiday compared to any other day of the year. In response, Life Saving Victoria is urging beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags at one of Victoria's patrolled beach locations.

Prioritise safety in water by assessing conditions, supervising children, wearing life jackets, and avoiding alcohol until after water activities for a safer holiday, swimmers are urged to stick to patrolled areas for protection

Drowning prevention measures

This summer, Victoria had a tragic surge in fatal drownings, with 26 lives lost across Victoria, marking a 44 per cent increase from the decade average. Water safety is everyone's responsibility, and we want to ensure this figure does not escalate during the Labour Day long weekend. Victorians are urged to actively contribute to their safety by checking water conditions, refraining from combining alcohol consumption with water activities, ensuring constant active supervision of children around water, and avoiding swimming alone.

With high temperatures forecast over the next four days, LSV General Manager Lifesaving Services Liam Krige said it's important not to be complacent when recreating in, on and around water. "The record number of lives lost to drowning this summer is yet another reminder that anyone can drown but no one should. As we approach a long weekend, we want to remind the community of the importance of being aware of the conditions and swimming between the flags to avoid a tragic outcome," Mr Krige said.

Water safety awareness

Mr Krige said, "On a public holiday, you have double the likelihood of drowning, so make choices to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Choose locations that have life saving patrols and swim between the flags. With 65-plus patrolled locations across the state, the red and yellow flags will not be far away."

"Additionally, assessing conditions before entering the water, actively supervising children, wearing life jackets when boating or fishing, and postponing alcohol consumption until after water-related activities are completed can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. By making informed choices, we can collectively contribute to a safer and more enjoyable public holiday for all. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the long weekend responsibly," she said. For patrol times and locations, visit Beachsafe Victoria website.

Pictures from VicEmergency Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com