With the summer season here and river levels rising, South Australians are being reminded of the need to use caution when in, on and around water. 

SAFECOM Chief Executive Officer Julia Waddington-Powell says, “Drowning deaths are preventable with correct and ongoing water safety education. 

“With the summer months coming, we must remember that water safety is everyone’s responsibility.” 

“I’d encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with water safety messages, particularly when partaking in swimming, boating or leisure activities in unfamiliar or unpatrolled areas, or with children.” 

Figures released by Royal Life Saving Australia in the most recent National Drowning Report show that 339 people drowned in Australia during the 2021/22 financial year, of which 13 were in South Australia. 

The highest percentage of drowning deaths in South Australia occur while swimming or playing at a beach, with other activities evenly spread across boating, other watercraft, diving and entering the water to perform a rescue. 

The message also comes as a timely reminder, given the high flows currently experienced in the River Murray. 

While visiting the area to view the high flows and support local businesses, aquatic activities should be avoided until the flow rate decreases. 

There are several actions that people should consider to ensure their safety around water. These include: 

·       Observe warning signs, take responsibility for your safety and consider your ability.

·       Keep a constant watch over children, including when at parks and reserves with ponds.

·       Where possible, swim at beaches patrolled by lifesavers and never swim alone.

·       Enrolling children in a water safety program.

·       Avoid alcohol and drugs - they may adversely affect judgement and ability to swim.

·       Wear a life jacket when boating.