Victorians urged to take care around water after horror year

Victorians are being urged to be on their guard around the water as the festive season begins after a horror spate of drownings in the past year.

Victorians are being urged to be vigilant around the water this festive period after a horror number of drownings last summer.

Coastal drownings are 2.3 times more likely on public holidays and 2.4 times on long weekends according to Life Saving Victoria and drugs or alcohol contributing to almost a third of deaths across the state.

LSV General manager health promotion and communication Bernadette Matthews said the risk of drowning dramatically increases if you’re not playing it safe around the water.

“This means heading to a patrolled beach location wherever possible, checking the conditions and any potential risks, and actively supervising children by keeping those aged under five within arm’s reach and under 10s within eyesight,” she said.

Coastal drownings are more likely during the holidays. Picture: Alex Coppel

Last year 48 per cent of drownings occurred within the person’s own postcode, flagging Victorians shouldn’t let their guard down even at familiar waterways.

“Victoria’s waterways can be hazardous enough with risks like strong currents. Combine this with external factors like alcohol and illegal drugs, and the consequences can be fatal,” Dr Matthews said.

“If you plan to recreate in, on or around the water this Christmas, save your drink until after you have completed all water-based activities.

“We’ve already seen 20 reported fatal drownings in Victoria this financial year to date. That’s 20 families facing Christmas without a loved one, which is something no family should have to go through.”