10 Tips to stay safe near water this summer

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

Children, no matter their age or swimming ability, should be supervised by an adult at all times while they are in or around water.

Adults should be actively watching and listening to the children while they are near the water and this responsibility should never be delegated to older children.

If there are several adults with children who are swimming, make sure there is agreement between the adults as to who will be watching the children.

Make sure you are not distracted while you are supervising children around water by things such as your mobile phone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2. Create child-safe play areas around water

Restricting a child’s access or having barriers between your child and water environments can help prevent drowning.

Backyard pools are a significant source of drownings for children in Australia every year. The Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (KidSafe) has resources to help adults secure backyard pools and make them safe for the whole family.

Sometimes, it is not easy to make a child-safe area near water as you may have dams, rivers, or waterways near or on your property. Building a child safe play area on your property with secure, non-climbable fencing can put a barrier between your children and water, preventing them from accessing water unsupervised or drowning.

Having child-safe play areas does not replace supervision. However, it can slow kids down and give you more time to respond if you lose sight of them.

3. Enrol in swimming and water safety programs.

Learning to swim is not just for kids. The best way to learn to swim is through an accredited swim school or learn-to-swim program.

There are swim schools around Australia teaching water safety and how to swim to both children and adults. Swim Australia can help you find a swim school using their national map.

Take a look at some of these great learn to swim initiatives in the NSW Riverina, Balga, WA and Owairtilla (Canteen Creek) NT.

4. Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs when in and around the water.

Alcohol and drugs, even in small amounts, can increase the risk of drowning by affecting your ability to swim safely or supervise children.

You should also avoid alcohol and drugs if you plan on heading out or being responsible for a boat or watercraft (kayak, canoe, jet ski etc.)

5. Know the conditions in and around the water.

There are risks both in and out of the water.

Out of the water, slippery or crumbling river banks or un-level surfaces can cause you to slip and hurt yourself. In the water, currents, temperature changes, submerged objects or water depth can change quickly and can cause injury.

Even if you are swimming in an area you know well, make sure you check the conditions of the water first, enter the water slowly and take care as you move around in and out of the water.

6. If it’s flooded, forget it.

Flooding can happen around Australia at any time of the year.

Going into floodwaters is dangerous as they can have unpredictable currents or submerged objects that could hurt you. They also can contain waste or chemicals which could make you sick or can introduce animals into areas where they have not been before.

Driving through floodwaters is likely to severely damage your vehicle and put your life at risk. The National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and State Emergency Service (SES) each have information about driving in floodwaters.

7. Keep an eye out for the animals who call the water ‘home’

The water in and around Australia is home to many animals. While many of these animals are harmless, some of them can cause serious injury or death.

Surf Lifesaving Australia have factsheets about some of the harmful animals you may encounter while in the water and what to do if you get hurt or need help.

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