ISOLATED waterways, such as rivers and creeks, increase the risk of downing due to changeable conditions and often geographical remoteness. Risk taking behaviour and poor decision making, such as consuming alcohol, not wearing a lifejacket and swimming alone, all compound this risk.
Rivers and creeks claim more lives each year than any other waterway in Australia. According to Royal Life Saving Australia, 37 percent of deaths in creeks/rivers involved alcohol, with men and those aged 18-45 years overly represented in the data. The large majority (72 percent) lived within 100km of where they drowned.
As we have seen with flooding events, you never know what could be below the surface. Conditions in rivers change rapidly – sandbanks move and weather can adversely affect water conditions suddenly. Inland waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, and should you get into trouble on the water, there may be no one around to help.
Whether swimming, boating or just relaxing on the bank, you should be aware of hidden dangers:
Strong currents and fast-flowing water. Check the current by throwing a leaf into the water to judge its speed. If you get caught in a current, float on your back feet first and go with the current. Don’t panic.
Submerged objects like rocks, snags and tree branches. Check the depth of the water and look for submerged objects using a stick. Do not jump or dive into water, enter slowly with feet first.
Slippery banks and uneven surfaces. Unintentional falls are a major risk around water. Floodwater and changing seasonal patterns. Check the weather forecast and water conditions before venturing out. Never drive through flood waters.
For more safety advice around water, visit
royallifesaving.com.au
