Royal Life Saving Society urges action to reduce drowning risks on farms

More than 100 people have drowned in dams in Australia in the past 10 years, new data released by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia has found.

Harry's View on the Rocky 2030 strategy.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Farm Safe Week highlights the risks

More than 100 people have drowned in dams in Australia in the past 10 years, new data released by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia has found.

The data was drawn from coronial reports and compiled as part of Farm Safe Week to highlight the risks to people living and working on properties with dams, rivers or other water bodies.

Rural properties carry very specific drowning risks across the lifespan, from children to employees working on farms and older farmers.

In the most recent drowning report, 32 per cent of dam drowning deaths were work-related. Exposure to water in irrigation, aqua-culture and working stock can increase drowning risks on farms.

The other most at-risk group of drowning on farms is small children. Children love the water and it only takes a moment for a tragedy to occur.

The risk is heightened on farms because of the large size and remote location of properties, and the fact that it is not always feasible to fence off large bodies of water.

There are ways to reduce the risk of drowning and we would ask everyone on farms to take action to protect themselves and the people they love.

These measures include:

• Create safe play areas for children on rural properties which have access to inland waterways, especially dams on private/residential properties.

• Fill in any unused holes where water can gatherm such as ditches, dips and postholes.

• Water storage such as wells and tanks should be securely covered.

• Never undertake work near a dam or river alone.

• Refresh your CPR training, particularly in remote locations.

• Install clear safety signage.

• Talk to guests or workers visiting your property about where dams and rivers are located.

For more information on how to prevent drowning, go to royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/locations/farm-water-safety.

- Justin Scarr, CEO, Royal Life Saving Society.

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Harry's View on the Rocky 2030 strategy.

SMSes TO THE EDITOR

LPMC. Jeannette Young, I “challenge” you to visit any aged care nursing home currently in lockdown. Please talk to the residents and explain why they are closed to family members and activity staff. Many residents have mental issues, sit alone in their rooms all day. They rely on family support but you are neglecting this much needed help. Your decision to refuse even one family member to have contact is nothing but shameful and unwarranted. These residents require urgent support now. Take time to visit a facility because one day you may need assistance too.

ANON. Already virus is on the border and govt just sit on their hands. Close the border or we will be in the same boat as Sydney.

FAY. To deal with a semi emergency, eg infection or migraine, that can’t wait a fortnight to see a GP, there should be a 24 hour clinic attached to the A&E. A&E would then be free to manage only emergencies and not clogged up with patients with nowhere else to go.

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Originally published as Royal Life Saving Society urges action to reduce drowning risks on farms