'Respect the River' safety campaign

Respect The River – River Safety Tips
>> Wear a Lifejacket
>> Avoid Alcohol Around Water
>> Never Swim Alone
>> Learn How To Save A Life

Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr says: "The large number of people drowning in our rivers, creeks and streams is alarming. In launching the Respect the River campaign, Royal Life Saving aims to raise awareness of the sheer number of people drowning in our rivers every year and the preventable nature of these tragedies."

"Rivers can be very hazardous environments. Often you cannot see ice cold water, snags like tree branches or strong currents. They can be lethal. We are asking people to follow four simple steps to reduce their drowning risk in rivers: wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol around water, never swim alone and learn how to save a life. It’s simple, Respect the River," says Justin Scarr CEO Royal Life Saving.

OUR WORST RIVERS
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, with the support of the Federal Government, is implementing the Respect the River campaign across the nation’s top 10 river drowning black spots which are: the Murray River, the Brisbane River, the Yarra River, the Swan River, the Hawkesbury River, the Murrumbidgee River, Sandy Creek, the Derwent River, the Katherine River and the Macquarie River.

The Respect the River campaign was launched by the Hon Sussan Ley MP Minister for Sport and Minister for Health and Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr over the weekend on the banks of the Murray River at Albury.

As part of the Respect the River campaign Royal Life Saving is releasing a series of community service announcements on TV, radio, print and online to alert people of the dangers that rivers pose, and also advising on how to enjoy them safely.  These are supported by a range of fact sheets, educational activities and a series of video testimonials from local safety personnel and river users.

Also, as part of the Respect the River campaign, Royal Life Saving is partnering with local stakeholder groups to drive geographically based drowning action plans which include visiting schools and talking to communities, campers, boat users and recreational water users advising them on how to stay safe this summer.

National Top 10 River Drowning Black Spots (2002-2012)
1. Murray River
2. Brisbane River (QLD)
3. Yarra River (VIC)
4. Swan River (WA)
5. Hawkesbury River (NSW)
6. Murrumbidgee River (NSW)
7. Sandy Creek (QLD)
8. Derwent River (TAS)
9. Katherine River (NT)
10. Macquarie River (NSW)

MURRAY  THE MOST DANGEROUS
The Murray River Drowning Report, released by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia today shows that 68 people lost their lives due to drowning in the Murray River since July 1, 2002, making the Murray the number one river drowning black spot in Australia.

Some 90 per cent of all drowning victims in the Murray River are male, with the 45-54 years age group accounting for almost one fifth of all drowning deaths (19 per cent). Watercraft incidents accounted for the largest proportion of drowning deaths (31 per cent). This was followed by swimming and recreating (24 per cent) and incidents involving non-aquatic transport (13 per cent).

Alcohol was known to be involved in over one third of all drowning deaths (40 per cent), with one in five drowning victims recording a Blood Alcohol Content reading of twice the legal limit or higher (0.1mg/L).

"Australian rivers are beautiful and can be great places to recreate, from boating to swimming to kayaking and even enjoying the environment along the river bank. We want everyone to enjoy these beautiful natural environments but to do so safely, by showing rivers the respect they deserve," says Justin Scarr CEO, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia.

For more information on the Respect the River campaign click here www.royallifesaving.com.au/respecttheriver/.

Key Murray River Drowning Facts
>> 68 people have drowned in the Murray River between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2015.
>> 90 per cent of drowning victims in the Murray River were male.
>> The top three age groups for drowning were 45-54 years (19 per cent of all drowning deaths), 25-34 years (18 per cent) and the 18-24 and 35-44 years age group (13 per cent respectively).
>> Watercraft incidents were the leading activity being undertaken prior to drowning in the Murray River (31 per cent).
>> This was followed by Swimming and Recreating (24 per cent) and Non-Aquatic Transport Incidents (13 per cent).
>> 40 per cent of drowning deaths were known to involve alcohol.
>> 21 per cent of all drowning victims recorded a blood alcohol content reading of 0.1mg/L or higher (twice the legal limit).

Follow the Respect the River campaign at www.royallifesaving.com.au/respecttheriver/.