Victoria record most drownings in a six-month period, with 35 deaths

Victoria has had it worst six months for drownings on record, with 35 fatalities since July 1.

Victoria has had it worst six months for drownings on record, with 35 fatalities since July 1.

The period from July 1 to December 28 surpasses last year’s total of 34 drowning deaths.

Of the 35 drownings, 40 per cent occurred at inland waterways, 26 per occurred on the coast and 34 per cent at home.

Children in the 0-14 age bracket were the most at risk, with 12 recorded drownings, which represents 34 per cent of the six-month total.

It was the highest number of drowning deaths for the age group in over 20 years.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging all Victorians to be vigilant around water this new year period.

LSV’s principal research associate Dr Bernadette Matthews said every drowning was a sad reminder of the need to play it safe by the water.

“Sadly, Victoria has recorded the worst six months from July to December since detailed drowning record taking began and it’s a reminder for everyone to be vigilant around water,” Dr Matthew said.

New figures show there were 35 drowning deaths in the past six months. Picture: David Caird

“As the summer period goes on, LSV is urging parents to take time to check for water safety risks in and around the home, including ensuring home pools and spas have been well maintained and have compliant barriers.

Dr Matthews said active supervision was crucial when children were in, on or around the water, especially in light of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions which saw an estimated 145,000 children per week miss vital swimming lessons.

“Twenty seconds is all it takes for a child to drown, always keep children under 5 within arms’ reach and children under 10 within eyesight,” she said.

Children are not the only age group of concern. More than 30 per cent of drowning deaths of people aged over 15 involve alcohol or drugs and Dr Matthews urged Victorians not to mix alcohol and swimming.

“Alcohol affects our swimming ability and judgment of dangerous situations,” she said. “So, if you are out celebrating the new year, plan ahead. Don’t drink and swim, and make sure you look out for your mates around water.”

In Victoria, people are 68 per cent more likely to be involved in a drowning incident on a public holiday than at any other time of year.

LSV lifesaving services manager Liam Krige said it was a stark reminder of the importance of always being alert around waterways this holiday season.

“To help keep swimmers safe over summer, we’re ramping up patrols across our 57 clubs from Boxing Day,” Mr Krige said. “This includes right along the Surf Coast, which will see lifesaving and lifeguards patrolling everyday from Boxing Day until after the Australia Day long weekend.”

Mr Krige said that despite being largely preventable, rips are the number one hazard on the Australian coast, with on average 21 people drowning each year as a result of rip currents.

He said rips can reach speeds faster than the strongest swimmers and can be difficult to spot, which is why it’s so important to monitor the conditions, swim between the flags and supervise children.

A list of patrolled beaches can be found at beachsafe.org.au.

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Originally published as Victoria record most drownings in a six-month period, with 35 deaths