Water Safety Week launched
Drowning numbers on the increase says reportThe Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty has launched Water Safety Week (December 1-8), which highlights the importance of water safety throughout the state.
Mr Delahunty also released Life Saving Victoria’s 2012-13 Drowning Report which showed Victoria had recorded 41 drowning deaths, up four on the previous year.
"Every drowning death is a tragedy, and it is disappointing to see an increase in 2012-13.
"This year in particular, has seen an alarming spike in the number of coastal drowning deaths, up 52 per cent compared to the average for the last decade.
"There has also been a 65 per cent increase in the drowning rate of those aged over 60, compared to the rate over the last decade.
“Sadly, more than half of these people had not intended to get into the water, but slipped or fell.
"Alcohol also continues to be a huge problem, contributing to one in four drowning deaths."
However, Mr Delahunty said it was pleasing to see that there was a significant decrease in drowning deaths recorded in the 5-14 age group, down to zero compared to the average of three per year over the past 10 years.
Mr Delahunty said the Government’s Play it Safe by the Water campaign and the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program are increasing awareness among Victorians.
"This year, the Coalition Government has invested $6 million in the partnership [with the acquatic industry] to deliver water safety education, life saving club upgrades and new equipment.
"The Coalition Government has also provided $1 million to support an advertising campaign which includes chilling community advertisements highlighting how quickly a child can drown if momentarily left alone."
The Drowning Report is available at www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au. Boating safety tips at www.watersafety.vic.gov.au/home/boating+safety.
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