Water Safety

In the summer months, people spend time in the lakes and rivers across our region.

While the water can be a cool relief and something to enjoy, it’s also important to be safe and take precautions.

In 2023, Victoria experienced the highest number of Christmas holiday deaths by drowning in two decades.

The 2023 National Drowning Report by Royal Life Saving Australia showed there had been a 26% increase in unintentional drowning deaths in Victoria in the last year compared to the 10-year average.

In summer we also tend to notice a number of people who fall sick after visiting local swimming pools. Please remember if you are unwell, to not go swimming. 

The main things to remember when remaining safe around water are:

1. Don’t drink alcohol or do drugs when in and around water, even before you go
2. Supervise everyone in the water
3. Always take a friend
4. Watch out for wildlife
5. Know the conditions:

        →Rivers can be very deep, even close to the bank.

        →Currents may exist and can be very strong.

        →There can be deep holes near bank you may not be able to see.

        →Watch out for objects under the surface such as rocks and tree branches.

        →The banks can be slippery and uneven.

Healthy swimming this summer

While swimming is fun and a great way to stay fit and active, sometimes germs can contaminate the pool water, which can make people sick. 

Follow the five healthy swimming steps to help keep the pool clean: 

• Shower and wash with soap, especially your bottom, before swimming. 
• Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet or changing a nappy. 
• Change nappies in nappy change areas only. 
• Avoid swallowing pool water. 
• Do not swim if you have diarrhoea or have had diarrhoea in the past two weeks. 

For more information on healthy swimming talk to swimming pool staff or visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/healthy-swimming 

You can find translated versions of the video at: www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/resources/healthy-swimming-video

The LMPHU is working to create information resources covering water safety in English as well as translated resources. If you’re interested in learning more about this for your organisation, email us at [email protected]

We have also included links below for some existing translated resources through other channels. 

Resources

Water Safety | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

Respect the River | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

10 Tips to stay safe near water this summer | Indigenous.gov.au

Resources by Language | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

Water Safety Information – Translated - Life Saving Victoria (lsv.com.au)

Other References 

Victorian Water Safety Strategy 2021-2025.pdf (content.vic.gov.au)

LSV Drowning report 2024 FLIP