Life Saving Victoria launches powerful ads to prevent drownings
New TAC-style commercials will air on TV and social media channels this summer in the hope of reducing the amount of fatal drownings in Victoria. Watch the new campaign.
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Powerful advertisements designed to prevent fatal drownings will hit TV screens and social media networks this summer after the deadliest year at the state’s waterways on record.
Authorities will today launch a TAC-style campaign, using first-person footage of a swimmer being dragged under a rip to send a message to Victorian men who are four times as likely to drown as women.
The Sunday Herald Sun can also reveal Life Saving Victoria will fly surveillance drones along the coastline and over inland waterways to check conditions at popular summer spots.
A targeted text message service used for bushfire emergencies will be expanded to send water safety messages and alerts about dangerous conditions to holiday-makers.
It comes after 56 people drowned in Victoria in 2018/19, up from 40 the year before, which was already the worst year in two decades.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said: “We don’t want to see a repeat of last summer. Our lifesaving volunteers do an amazing job, but it’s up to everyone to be aware of the dangers.”
Life Saving Victoria’s drowning report reveals 45 of the fatalities were men and 16 were aged over 65 — 71 per cent above the long-term average.
There were 23 drowning deaths at beaches and 18 in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams, while almost half of those who lost their lives slipped, tripped or fell into the water.
Volunteer lifesavers returned to 57 beaches this weekend, with an expanded jet ski patrol services being rolled out and surfers trained to help with rescues.
New rules are also in place from today to compel the registration of all private pools with councils by June.
Ms Neville almost drowned as a 23-year-old while swimming by herself at the Gold Coast.
“Within moments, the rip started and it was dragging me under and out … I tried to put my hand up, and the next thing I know, I’m on the beach with the life savers,” she said.
She said the increase in drowning deaths among men and older Victorians highlighted a worrying “generational change”.
“Some of them grew up with swimming lessons and by the beach, and have got a bit older, not as fit, and you’re starting to see them in the statistics now,” Ms Neville said.
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After nine deaths involving alcohol and drugs, Life Saving Victoria principal research associate Dr Bernadette Matthews urged people to stop drinking around water, or at least nominate a “designated non-drinker” to take care of their friends.