The South Australian Water Safety Committee, which comprises of government and non government services, has launched its Summer Water Safety Promotion.
The promotion brings agencies involved with water safety together to promote a united summer safety message.
South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission chief executive Julia Waddington-Powell said drownings were preventable with ongoing water safety education.
“We are fortunate to live in a part of Australia where beaches and rivers are easily accessible,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with water safety and first aid practices when swimming, boating and enjoying leisure activities, particularly in unpatrolled areas or with children.”
Figures released by Royal Life Saving Australia in the most recent National Drowning Report show that 281 people drowned in Australia during the 2022/23 financial year, of which 17 were in South Australia.
The highest percentage of drowning deaths in South Australia occurs whilst swimming or recreating at a
beach, with other deaths attributable to boating, other watercraft, diving and entering the water to perform a rescue.
There are several actions to consider to ensure safety around water, these include:
• Observe warning signs, take responsibility for your own safety and consider your own ability.
• Keep a constant watch over children, including when at parks and reserves with ponds.
• Where possible, swim at beaches patrolled by lifesavers and never swim alone.
• Enrol children in a water safety program.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs – they may adversely affect your judgement and ability to swim.
• Wear a life jacket when boating.
