Drownings in Victorian waters increase at alarming rate: Life Saving Victoria

LIFE Saving Victoria are “alarmed” at a recent surge in drownings, with figures showing they are up 39 per cent this financial year compared to the five year average.

Police retrieve the bodies of two men who drowned in a Mill Park lake earlier this month.

LIFE Saving Victoria are “alarmed” at a recent surge in drownings, with figures showing they are up 39 per cent this financial year compared to the five year average.

Overall, there have been 39 reported drowning deaths across the state since last July which is 11 more than the five year average of 28 for the same time period.

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the recent statistics were a concern.

“These statistics are really alarming,” he said.

“We know Victorians love the water, whether it be the beaches, rivers or pools and this is a timely reminder to stay focused and alert when it comes to water safety.

“Know your swimming capability, swim at patrolled beaches, read the safety signs and never swim alone. Take the time to do these things and look after yourself and those around you.”

A sign warns people not to swim in the Miill Park lake where two men drowned. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Among the drownings were the tragic deaths of two men, one aged 19, who attempted to swim across a lake at Redleap Reserve in Mill Park earlier this month.

Police said the pair had been drinking at the reserve before attempting to swim across the lake.

Life Saving Victoria spokeswoman, Dr Bernadette Matthews, said that alcohol was consumed before eight drownings and that drinking before swimming is extremely dangerous.

“Alcohol affects your swimming ability and judgment of potentially dangerous situations,” Dr Matthews said.

“It affects your sense of balance and can make you feel like you’re swimming towards the surface when you’re actually swimming towards the bottom” she said.

Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club members run a training drill on the beach.

Beaches have accounted for 18 drowning deaths over the past eight months, which is six more than the five year average of 12.

“Less than 50 per cent of people look at beach signs that will alert them to beach conditions,” Dr Matthews said.

Life Saving Victoria’s principal research associate said that over 480 rescues have been conducted since December 1st with many taking place in areas outside of lifesaving patrols.

“We always encourage people to swim at a patrolled beach whenever possible and read safety sings to understand any potential dangers” Dr Matthews said.

Life Saving Victoria said young children aged up to four years old and adults aged over 65 maintain the highest drowning rates per head of population while males continue to be over represented in the drowning toll.