Water safety in the outback

Like many local waterways, the Bre Weir is a great place to cool off, but it’s importantto always be aware of the risk of drowning. Inset – Swimming Instructor - Harmony Starchild. Photos TWH

With hot weather continuing and the cool water beckoning, it’s not the time to get lazy about water safety.

Royal Lifesaving Australia has recently delivered sobering statistics in their 2024 drowning report.

In total, 92 adults 65 years or older drowned (28 per cent of the total), the largest number ever. There were 323 drowning deaths over the recording period, 16 per cent higher than the ten-year average.

Of these drownings, 150 deaths occurred in coastal locations and 110 at inland waterways – 80 in rivers.

Bourke swimming instructor, Harmony Starchild said without the right skills, any body of water is dangerous.

“Locally we need to be aware of the rivers and inland waterways like dams and lakes and swimming pools as well,” she said.

“Many drownings that occur with younger children between zero and five happen in swimming pools but as the statistics from the Royal Life Saving Society show, there are many drownings occur in the inland water systems.”

“People can become very complacent around water. Around the house and farm there are things like dog bowls, kids swimming pools and livestock troughs. All those things can be contributing factors to drownings that happen in Australia.”

“There are some basic water safety precautions such as learning how to swim, following safety measures, and supervising young children.

“For the older generations between 10 and 29, I’d say ‘don’t be stupid.’ Don’t follow your friends into water if you can’t swim properly.” […]

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