Water Safety

Water Safety

WATER SAFETY

The Loddon Mallee region is home to lots of wonderful lakes, rivers and pools. Water sports, swimming and boating are a part of our way of life, an in the warm months these activities are very popular. Unfortunately, each year, many people drown or are seriously injured around water. It is important to stay safe and take precautions when enjoying these activities. 

There were 357 drowning deaths in Australia in the last year (July 2024 - June 2025). People in regional areas are more likely to drown than those living in the city. The 2025 National Drowning Report by Royal Life Saving Australia showed there been an 8% increase in the number of drowning deaths in Victoria in the last year compared to the 10-year average. Loddon Mallee residents experienced the highest rate of fatal drownings within Victoria, during the period of 2014-2024.

What you can do to keep yourself and others safe around water: 

  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

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: 

  1. Shower and wash with soap, especially your bottom, before swimming. 
  2. Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet or changing a nappy. 
  3. Change nappies in nappy change areas only. 
  4. Avoid swallowing pool water. 
  5. 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

Resources by Language | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

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

Swimming - Preventing Injury | Better Health Channel

 
Other References 

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (2025) National Drowning Report 2025, Sydney, Australia.