Are lakes and rivers dangerous?
Inland waterways, such as rivers and lakes, are the leading location for drowning in Australia.
- Every year, an average of 73 people die from drowning in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams
- Males account for 81% of all drowning deaths in rivers
- People aged 18-45 make up most drowning deaths at lakes and rivers
- Drowning is these locations is more often fatal than non-fatal due to a combination of factors including being unpatrolled, involving alcohol and often occurring in geographically isolated locations some distance from medical assistance
- Although people often assume it is “out of towners” or visitors who drown, the statistics tell us that overwhelmingly those who drown in lakes and rivers are local people who live within 100kms of where they drown.
What are the risks and hazards?
Rivers, lakes and dams are environments which often have unique hazards which can increase your risk of drowning.
These include:
- Deceptive currents
- Hidden hazards such as tree branches, rocks and other debris
- Murky water and poor visibility
- Steep and slippery river banks and crumbling edges
- The location of many rivers, lakes and dams in geographically isolated locations which may mean fewer bystanders to help and being further away from medical assistance
- No lifeguards on duty and no designated safe place to swim like flags at beaches
- Changeable conditions which are often impacted by weather patterns further upstream which occur days or hours earlier
- Environmental conditions such as drought and flood which can change the environment
- Mixing alcohol consumption and aquatic activities at such locations often proves fatal.
How do I stay safe?
Here are some suggestions to help keep you safe.
- Take a phone with you
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back
- Never swim alone
- Don’t overestimate your ability and underestimate the dangers in rivers
- Check weather forecasts
- Ask locals or those familiar with the location about things to be aware of
- Wear a lifejacket
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
- Actively supervise children around water
- When on a large rural properties, with natural bodies of water that can't be fenced off, create a child safe play area to isolate children from water sources
- Learn how to save a life. Make sure your first aid and CPR is up to date so you’re prepared if an accident is to happen.
For translated resources on water safety please visit: Multicultural Communities | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia