Drownings Increase Across NSW as Our Swim Safety Skills Drop

In 2022 the National Drowning Report revealed a shocking increase in the number of drowning deaths across NSW, and with Aussies finally getting the sunny summer we’ve missed our lack of skill in the water has been exposed.

Over the current summer season, 30 drowning deaths have been reported in Australia with more than 1400 rescues taking place. And it’s not just kids getting in trouble, the report shows 95 per cent of drowning fatalities in the State are adults.

Craig Roberts is the General Manager for Drowning Prevention and Education for Royal Life Saving NSW and told Hope 103.2, “over the COVID period there were 10 million swimming lessons lost”.

Now we’re lacking “some of those essential swimming and water safety skills that every child, and adult, should have as a life skill,” Craig said.

Those skills include “being able to understand the risks and hazards in and around our aquatic locations: both our inland waterways and our beaches, but also our swimming pools and those still-water environments”.

We’ve also lost “survival skills and knowing what to do in an emergency”, which Craig said is something we need to rebuild as the weather improves and people continue to become more active post-COVID.

Improve your swim safety knowledge and skills

To avoid getting into an emergency, “first and foremost, have someone to go with you [when] you swim”, Craig said.

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“We have too many drowning deaths where people are alone.

“If you are in trouble, calling out and looking out for help and floating or treading water are key skills.”

“Following those simple safety tips could be the difference between enjoying your Australia Day versus a tragedy in the water,” – Craig Roberts, Royal Life Saving NSW

With the Australia Day long weekend coming up, and another two swimming deaths being reported this week, Royal Life Saving want to insure that people are taking the necessary precautions before they enter the water and are aware of their limits.

“We know that we often underestimate the risks and overestimate our ability in and around the water,” Craig said.

“So, our physical health and condition and swimming ability is a key part of knowing those limits.

“The other thing is, [about] 25 percent of all drowning deaths involve alcohol, and often people’s judgement is impaired by that alcohol consumption.

“Australia Day is one the worst days for our drowning toll across the State.

“It’s a very popular day if it is sunny with people going out and enjoying themselves – which is as an organisation what we want people to do – but they just need to do it safely and be reminded that a tragedy can occur very quickly.

“Following those simple safety tips could be the difference between enjoying your Australia Day versus a tragedy in the water.”

For more information about Royal Life Saving’s SwimVac training program and water safety, visit their website.

Parents of three to six year olds can also learn more about the NSW Government’s $100 contribution to swimming lessons through their First Lap program.

Listen to the full interview with Royal Life Saving NSW’s Craig Roberts in the player above.

Feature image: Supplied / Matt Shirvington for Royal Life Saving NSW ACT & TAS