Lifeguards across Australia are urging people to practice water safety

After a series of drownings over Christmas, lifeguards across Australia are urging people to practice water safety as 2024 kicks off.

Elouera Bach lifesavers Chris Jacobson, Taylah Bisshopp and Rebecca Abbott at Cronulla in Sydney. POicture: Jane Dempster/The Australian

A rise in the number of drownings across the country has prompted warnings from lifeguards for swimmers to remain wary of the dangers involved.

There have been 19 drownings between Christmas Eve and ­December 31, with 32 recorded since the beginning of December.

This compares with 28 deaths by drowning in December 2022.

Last week, the body of a man on an inflatable kayak was pulled from the water off Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, extra lifesaving crews were brought up to Newcastle from Sydney after three fatal drownings, and a ­paddelboarder’s body was found at the newly opened Penrith Beach in western Sydney.

UNSW surf scientist Rob Brander said the number of drowning deaths was alarming in a country that taught six-month-old babies to swim, and that most of these drownings occurred at un-patrolled beaches.

“There’s plenty of beaches that are un-patrolled, that don’t have flags and are popular, easily accessible and close to people’s homes and accommodations,” Professor Brander said.

In the latest National Drowning Report by Royal Life Saving Australia, between July 2022 and June 2023, more than 280 people drowned in waterways.

Last summer, 54 people drowned, with more than 6,000 rescues performed along Australia’s coastlines.

Seventy-seven per cent of drowning victims were male, while 57 per cent were adults aged 45 and over. Just under half of drownings, 44 per cent, occurred in major cities.

Only a third of all drownings occurred during swimming and recreational activities, while 27 per cent happening on beaches.

UNSW’s surf scientist Professor Rob Brander aka Dr Rip. Picture: Supplied

Professor Brander said that while the “swim between the flags” message was well known, the message wasn’t helpful when flags weren’t up all day.

“Often they’re not up in the early mornings and are not up in the evenings, and for a lot of people in the summer that’s when they go to beach to swim,” he said.

“The best thing to do is swim between the flags but if that’s not an option and there are no life guards on the beach, the best thing you can do is think for a few minutes about beach safety.

“Are the conditions too big for you?” Professor Brander said. “Are there any rips in the beach? Do you know what a rip is? Are there any lifeguards further down the beach? And have a plan for when something goes wrong.”

Bondi lifeguard Bruce Hopkins said that “if something goes wrong when you’re in the water”, the best solution was to float.

“If you find yourself in any type of rip or deep water, whether it’s a dam or a backyard pool – floating is your best option. That’s the survival message,” Mr Hopkins said.

The calm water is often a trap as this is where the rips are. Pictures: SLSA/supplied

By learning how to identify rips - which are found in calm patches of water – lifeguards hope this will save more lives. Picture: SLSA/Supplied

Surf Life Saving Australia chairman and lifesaver Chris Jacobson said that before people went into the water, they should take a moment to observe the water and have a plan in place in case something goes wrong.

“Our key message for people is to stop, look and plan,” Mr Jacobson said. “So stop – check to see if there are any rips. Look – to see if there are any hazards, are there any rocks, are there surfers in the area where you’re planning to swim. And plan to stay safe, plan to make sure you are going home safe to your loved ones.”

Mr Jacobson recommended people check weather reports and avoid consuming drugs and alcohol when doing any water-related activities.