Inland waterways deadly for drownings

Although beaches and swimming pools are most commonly associated with drownings, more than one third of all drowning deaths in Australia occur in inland waterways.

More than 900 people drowned in inland waterways including rivers, creeks, lakes and dams in Australia from 2011 to 2021.

New research by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia analysing all drowning deaths for the decade found 924 people drowned in inland waterways, with males making up 80 per cent of the drowning toll.

For the first time, drowning deaths in national parks and state conservation areas have been detailed, with five per cent of deaths occurring in these popular recreation areas.

A further five per cent drowned at a waterfall or swimming hole.

Royal Life Saving’s National Manager – Research and Policy Stacey Pidgeon said the number of drowning deaths in inland waterways was very concerning.

“We know on average 92 people lose their lives to drowning in inland waterways every year,” Ms Pidgeon said.

“Every drowning death ripples through the community, affecting families, friends, and colleagues.

“More than a fifth of those who drowned were swimming and recreating at the time, which means they purposefully entered the water.

“Almost a fifth of cases involved a fall into water.”

Ms Pidgeon said this is an important reminder that whether you intend to go swimming or not, you have to be water safety conscious when you are in, on or around water.

“Rivers as a single location are the leading contributor to Australia’s unintentional fatal drowning burden,” she said.

“This is not just an issue for people travelling and unfamiliar with local waterways; 40 per cent of those who drowned in inland waterways were within 20 kilometres of home at the time.

“We know summer and school holiday periods see a significant rise in drowning deaths.

“It is important to remember that these are the figures only for fatal drowning; many more families experience non-fatal drowning, which can have lifelong consequences.”

The top 10 river drowning blackspots across Australia, which include the Murray, Yarra and Hawkesbury rivers, have not changed drastically over this ten-year period.

How To Stay Safe In Inland Waterways

•Check conditions before entering the water

•Enter the water slowly, feet first

•Take care around crumbling riverbeds and dam edges

•Avoid underwater obstacles, e.g. rocks, branches, rubbish

•Take care when walking on unstable or slippery riverbeds

•Avoid crossing flooded waterways

•Avoid alcohol and drugs around water

•Wear a lifejacket when boating or using watercraft

•Always swim with a mate

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