Drownings fall over past year but Life Saving Victoria warns of ‘perfect storm’ this summer

Victorian lifesavers are fearing a “perfect storm” this summer despite a drop in drownings in the past year.

Drownings have fallen to their lowest level in a decade.

But a spate of deaths in recent months has lifesavers and lifeguards on red alert this summer.

New figures provided to the Herald Sun show 34 people drowned statewide last financial year, 20 fewer than the previous 12 months as bushfires and coronavirus closed beaches and pools.

It was the lowest toll since 2010/11.

Half of deaths were the result of victims slipping or falling into the water or going to someone’s aid, with beaches accounting for 12 drownings and 11 in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams.

Males accounted for 26 deaths, making them four times more likely to drown than females, while alcohol and illegal drugs were suspected in six drownings.

Life Saving Victoria principal research associate Dr Bernadette Matthews said while drownings last financial year were down there had been 24 deaths reported since July 1 — the most for the period since 2004/05.

It included seven children aged under 14, five of them aged under five.

A 24-year-old woman on Sunday became the latest drowning victim at Smiths Beach on Phillip Island.

Lifeguards Stephen Christofi and Georgie Clarke are preparing for a busy summer preventing drownings at Torquay and Jan Juc beaches. Picture: David Caird

Dr Matthews said it was vital beachgoers knew their ability and planned a back-up patrolled beach in case the one they visited was too crowded.

“Unfortunately what we thought would happen is showing to happen,’’ Dr Matthews said.

“We were concerned people would be unprepared around water and unfortunately we’re already seeing an increase.

“It’s really concerning. We really want people to understand the need to prepare before going out on the water this summer.”

Life Saving Victoria chief executive officer Dr Nigel Taylor said vigilance was especially crucial this summer with most Victorians having been away from the water for almost a year.

Children had also missed out on swimming lessons and there was concern beachgoers keen to avoid crowds could head to remote areas which did not have lifesaving patrols.

“There are a number of emerging risk factors that are prompting us to call on Victorians to take extra precautions around water this season which, unfortunately, is shaping up to be the summer of the perfect storm from a drowning and water safety perspective,’ Dr Taylor said.

“With the start of summer and easing of most restrictions coinciding, as well as many choosing to holiday locally this year, we are expecting increased visitation to Victorian beaches and waterways.”

Life Saving Victoria is concerned a number of trends in recent drowning figures could be exacerbated by a lack of preparedness for water activities over the warmer months. Picture: David Caird

People spending more time at home also highlighted the need to actively supervise children around properties and backyards pools, he said.

A rise in deaths among people aged 15-24 was a concern despite fewer drownings last financial year.

There were no deaths among children aged up to four for the first time in two decades, but they accounted for a quarter of the 100 near-drownings reported.

Seven drowning victims were of multicultural background.

Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said: “After what has been one of the most challenging years for everyone, Victorians will be excited to spend more time outdoors, but we need to remember to be careful around water and look out for each other.”

WATER WARNING

34 deaths last financial year

100 near-drownings

Highest drowning rate men 65+

Half deaths involved unintentional water entry

35 per cent deaths at beaches

34 per cent deaths at lakes, dams, rivers and creeks

$167 million direct cost lives lost in 2019/20

24 deaths since July

Source: Life Saving Victoria

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