Water authorities ask the Geelong and Surf Coast public to remain careful as new findings show many lives lost in inland waterways.
Royal Life Saving’s latest report found more than 900 people had drowned in Australian inland waterways, including rivers, creeks, lakes and dams, in ten years.
Research and Policy national manager Stacey Pidgeon said the 2011/21 report numbers accounted for more than a third of the Australian drowning deaths.
“On average 92 people lose their lives to drowning in inland waterways every year,” Ms Pidgeon said.
“This is not just an issue for people travelling and unfamiliar with local waterways.
“40 per cent of those who drowned in inland waterways were within 20-kilometres of home at the time.
“Every drowning death ripples through the community, affecting families, friends, and colleagues.
“It is important to remember that these are the figures only for fatal drowning; many more families experience non-fatal drowning, which can have lifelong consequences,” she said.
Royal Life Saving said people should; check local conditions, enter the water slowly, be careful around unstable areas and underwater obstacles, avoid alcohol and drugs, wear a lifejacket, and always swim with a friend.
