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Do not risk a drowning tragedy this Easter warned by Life Saving Victoria to Victorians

LSV urges safety during Easter festivities near water, with active supervision of children, wearing life jackets while boating/fishing, avoiding alcohol/drugs, and assessing risks.

By news@gippsland - 5th April 2023 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging Victorians hopping to the waterways for Easter to eggcercise caution in, on and around the water. Victorians are 68 per cent more likely to drown on a public holiday than any other day of the year, and after Victoria experienced its highest drowning toll in the four days following Christmas Day in 18 years, LSV general manager Paul Shannon urged people to not let festivities become fatalities.

Life Saving Victoria is reminding everyone to stay safe during Easter and actively supervise kids and wear lifejackets while near water

Safe Easter supervision

Mr Shannon said, "Easter is traditionally a time families enjoy the last of the autumn weather before the long Victorian winter, but it is imperative they do so safely. Whether you're celebrating at home, on the coast or by the river, remember to actively supervise little ones."

"Even if you don't intend for your child to end up in the water, children are curious, so if they wander off from your Easter egg hunt or campsite, it takes just 20 seconds for a child to drown in as little as a few centimetres of water." Mr Shannon said.

Water safety awareness

Mr Shannon also reminded adults of their own risk of accidental entry into water, which has accounted for 41 per cent of drownings in the past decade. "If you are walking by the water, be careful of unstable rocks or slippery edges and if you are boating or fishing, wear a lifejacket to buy you time to survive. Once you end up in the water, it is too late to put it on."

"For those heading to the coast, many of our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are still on duty to keep you safe, so head to Beachsafe website to find a patrolled location near you, enabling you to relax by the water with piece of mind that someone is keeping an eye on you and your family."

Self-responsibility reminder

Mr Shannon added, "However, even when lifesavers are around - your safety is your responsibility and rescue is the last line of defence and one we would rather not have to use, so know and stick to your limits and assess your abilities and the potential risks before you go swimming."

Victorians are also urged to not mix water related activities with alcohol or other drugs, which have been a known factor in 31 percent of drownings in the past decade. "Alcohol and other drugs impair judgement, slow your reaction times, affect your swimming ability and increase risk-taking behaviour. If you plan on drinking this Easter, please postpone doing so until you have completed all water-related activities." Mr Shannon warned.

Pictures from Latrobe University website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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