Live Saving Victoria releases Drowning Report, warns of ‘concerning’ rise on Victorian drownings

Life Saving Victoria is urging Victorians to be safe around water “to prevent further tragedy”, as its latest drowning report details a “concerningly high number of drownings”.

Life Saving Victoria has released its latest drowning report, signalling a concerning rise in drownings across the state. picture: Glenn Ferguson

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging Victorians to be safe around water “to prevent further tragedy”, as its latest drowning report details a “concerningly high number of drownings in Victorian waters”.

LSV released the 2021-22 Drowning Report on Thursday, detailing the 53 drownings recorded in the financial year – 10 more than the 10-year average – and 111 non-fatal incidents attended by paramedics.

Lorne lifesavers Amy Kenny, 15, from Brighton and Hannah Keane, 15, of Pascoe Vale South, saved the lives of two drowning men at Lorne beach in 2018. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

While total figures for each local area couldn’t be shared, LSV revealed the City of Greater Geelong recorded the third highest number of drownings over the past decade with 19, behind Bass Coast (28) and Mornington Peninsula (49).

The Surf Coast Shire was the local government area with the ninth-highest frequency of fatal drownings, listed in the report.

The report found that people were not wearing life jackets in 55 per cent of boating-related drowning deaths over the past decade, and that they were worn incorrectly in a further 23 per cent of fatalities.

Inland waterways were again the most dangerous aquatic environments in Victoria, with 40 per cent of all drownings occurring in rivers, creeks, streams, or lakes – almost 50-per-cent more than the 10-year average.

LSV research and evaluation manager Dr Hannah Calverley said the 53 recorded drownings, while lower than the record set the previous year, was still too many.

“Despite slightly fewer fatalities than last year’s record-breaking toll of 61, the reality is that 53 lives were lost to drowning this year – that’s 53 too many,” Dr Calverley said.

“My heart goes out to everyone affected.

“This is the second consecutive year that the Victorian drowning toll has bucked what had otherwise been a downward trend.

“We’re urging Victorians to be vigilant around water to help put an end to drownings and prevent further tragedy.”

Safe Transport Victoria recreational boating safety manager Gareth Johnson called on boat users to take the need for life jackets seriously.

“There’s a bit of a misconception that life jackets get in the way, but that simply isn’t the case; there’s a lifejacket for every occasion and modern styles are comfortable and easy to wear,” he said.

“A lifejacket is the single most important piece of safety equipment on a recreational vessel, and wearing one while boating isn’t just recommended, it’s legislated.”

Six drowning deaths were recorded in the region last year, including a 29-year-old man from Epping who was found in the water off Eastern Beach in the last week of December.

Geelong Cats football star Patrick Dangerfield made headlines in February when he saw a family of three dragged out by a strong rip at Moggs Creek, racing into the water on his surfboard to help rescue the trio.

Originally published as Live Saving Victoria releases Drowning Report, warns of ‘concerning’ rise on Victorian drownings