BE WARY AROUND WATER: HALL

With summer just around the corner and the lure of the beach and pool increasing, Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall is urging all people to take care around the water.

He was speaking after the release of the 2007 Victorian Drowning Summary, which showed that in the 12 months to June 2007 the number of deaths by drowning in the State was 37.

“This was the lowest number on record and Victoria also has the lowest rate of any State in Australia, but of course 37 deaths by drowning are still too many,” Mr Hall said.

“It is timely to think about safety around the water, especially in a place like Gippsland with its long coastlines and numerous beaches and as we look forward to lots of visitors for summer.”

Mr Hall said there were some fairly simple steps to take to reduce the number of drownings, although those steps can vary depending on age groups.

“For example while there has been an overall decrease in the number of toddler deaths, there was a jump in the number of home pool drownings in the last 12 months. A key factor was the maintenance of fences and gates around pools. Some simple work to ensure fences are in good condition and gate latches are working will help with that.”

Mr Hall said with young adults, that is the 15 to 24 age group, males were generally more at risk. In the past six years, most deaths occur in open waterways such as at the beach or in rivers.

“Very often deaths in this age occur when people are under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, when young men in particular tend to place themselves in high risk situations. It indicates the need to be sensible when around water.”

The figures for the 25 to 34 age group showed similar problems with alcohol or illicit drugs, although more people in this age group died while taking part in activities such as boating, diving or skin-diving, and in some instances rock fishing.

Mr Hall said the other thing all people could do was to undertake some basic training in first aid so as to be prepared in the case of a near drowning incident.

“As well as keeping close watch on their children, it is useful for parents and older children to learn resuscitation,” he said.

“There are also Junior Lifeguard Club activities that provide an alternative to swimming lessons for eight to 15 year olds.”

Mr Hall said the main message was to be safe and vigilant around the water, whether in the back yard at home or at the beach or other open waterways.

“The aim is to have no deaths by drowning and that is a whole of community responsibility,” he said.