10 Tips to stay safe near water this summer
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Whether it is soaking up sunshine on the beach, exploring inland waterways or kicking back by the backyard pool, who doesn’t love a great day by the water?
Sadly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 1.7 times more likely to drown than the rest of the Australian population.*
Stay water safe this summer with these top tips from leading Australian safety organisations including Royal Life Saving Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia and Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (KidSafe).
1. Supervise all children around water
2. Create child-safe play areas around water
3. Enrol in swimming and water safety programs.
4. Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs when in and around the water.
5. Know the conditions in and around the water.
6. If it’s flooded, forget it.
7. Keep an eye out for the animals who call the water ‘home’
8. Avoid swimming alone
Swimming is a great activity to do with family and friends. Not only is it a great way to cool off but also makes great exercise.
Swimming alone carries dangers including getting injured or caught in a rip.
If you are going swimming alone, make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. If you can, swim at a patrolled beach, pool or waterway and between the flags.
9. Stay safe while out on a boat
Whether it is heading out fishing, grabbing some exercise or getting to a secluded spot; Getting out and about in a boat can be great fun.
Make sure you check the weather forecast for your entire trip before you leave and you should wear a lifejacket while you are around and on a boat.
Royal Life Saving Australia has some helpful tips to stay safe while using boats and watercraft as well as links to state and territory maritime safety organisations.
10. Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency
In the event of an emergency, call the emergency services on ‘000’.
Learning first aid can help you respond in an emergency situation until medical services arrive. First aid can include applying CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) which can help the survival of people who have drowned or helping someone who has been injured in or near the water.
Bonus tip!
While Indigenous Australians have a lower risk of being diagnosed with melanoma (skin cancer)**, it is always a good idea be sun smart when outside.
The Cancer Council says you can protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer:
- Slip on covering clothing which covers as much skin as possible
- Slop on SPF 30 (or higher broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen)
- Slap on a hat which shades your face, nose, neck and ears
- Seek shade and avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (between 10am to 4pm)
- Slide on some sunglasses
We hope these tips help you have a fun and safe summer enjoying the land and waters on Country around Australia.
*Source: Royal Life Saving's report 'Drowning deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. A 10-year analysis 2008/09 to 2017/18'
**Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016. Skin cancer in Australia. Cat. no. CAN 96. Canberra: AIHW