Lifesavers plead for caution after spate of water deaths

A spate of swimming emergencies in Queensland has turned to tragedy with the death of two Chinese nationals in Brisbane.

A SPATE of swimming emergencies in Queensland has turned to tragedy with the death of two Chinese nationals in Brisbane.

The woman, 31, and a boy, 11, were pulled unconscious from a pool in The Grange estate at Brendale, north of Brisbane, on December 20.

They had been fighting for their lives in hospital, but police yesterday confirmed both had since passed away.

The scene of a pool drowning at a gated complex in Brendale. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

The news of their deaths comes amid a spate of serious drowning incidents in Queensland that has alarmed authorities and follows the death of at least two other people this month.

Just two days after the Brendale tragedy, a Japanese boy, 7, was pulled lifeless from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and had his life support switched off a day later.

Swimmers at Coolangatta on Boxing Day. Picture: Nigel Hallett

On December 19, an elderly man was recovered at Kings Beach, Caloundra and could not be saved, and a week later a man in his 50s was rescued at the same beach.

There have been 551 non-fatal drownings nationwide in the past year.

However, The Courier-Mail has learned of more than a dozen near-fatal drownings so far this month in addition to at least three people who have lost their lives.

Surf Life Saving Queensland has performed 11 resuscitations in the six months since July 1. Just 12 resuscitations were recorded in 2017-18.

An SLSQ spokeswoman said resuscitations were classed as more serious than a regular rescue as further attention was often required.

The Courier-Mail knows of two resuscitations on Queensland beaches this month, one in which a boy, 16, was pulled from the Mooloolaba Spit 50m outside the flags, rushed to hospital in a critical condition but declared stable a day later.

Police at the scene of the Brendale tragedy. Picture: Annette Dew

SLSQ lifesaving services manager Peta Lawlor said it did not matter how competent a person was in the surf as the ocean could be “extremely unpredictable”.

“This summer we’re pleading with all beachgoers to put safety first, exercise caution in and around the water and only swim between the red and yellow flags,” she said.

Royal Life Saving Australia data shows international tourists account for 76 drowning deaths on average in Australia each year.

In 30 per cent of fatal drownings, the person was a visitor to the location.

Nationalities with the highest numbers of fatal drownings in Australia are China, followed by South Korea and Ireland.

Royal Life Saving Society project officer Kate Forrester said some airlines had begun showing educational videos on incoming international flights and some accommodation providers were also giving tourists in-room brochures or flyers.

“For individuals who have recently migrated to Australia, there are several groups who are working to provide education, water awareness and water safety to all ages, which will then provide a base to go on and complete swimming lessons,” she said.