In the lead up to summer, Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea encouraged everyone to stay safe in and around pools and waterways.
“36 people tragically drowned in NSW waterways last summer, including 7 who drowned between Christmas and 2 January 2018,” said Mr O’Dea.
“While this was an improvement on the 2016-17 summer, we want everyone to return home safely from their day at the beach. Each year, men aged between 18 and 24 are unfortunately overrepresented in our state’s drowning deaths.”
Based on the findings of a Royal Life Saving NSW (RLSNSW) report, the ‘Be Water Safe, Not Sorry’ campaign emphasises the risks associated with water and highlights how to stay safe.
Some ways to stay safe in and around water are:
- Swim at patrolled beaches where possible – no flags means no lifesavers
- Stay sober – don’t drink or take drugs and then swim
- Always supervise small children in or near water – don’t let phones or household jobs distract you.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said people often flock to our beautiful beaches and waterways to celebrate the Christmas break and school holidays.
“Unfortunately, the festive season is also the peak time when we lose loved ones to drowning, especially on public holidays,” said Mr Grant.
“While we want everyone to have a good time, mates don’t let mates do stupid things, so we are reminding everyone to take care and say something if you think someone shouldn’t be swimming.
“Just like the NSW road toll, we want zero fatalities at our beaches and waterways, so please remember – where there’s water there’s danger,” Mr Grant concluded.
For more information visit: www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au
