A recent Royal Life Saving Australia report has revealed that 104 lives were lost by drowning over the past summer.
The number of Australians who have died by drowning is up five per cent, compared to the previous summer, and up 14 per cent over a five-year average.
New South Wales has recorded the highest number of drownings by state (33), followed by Victoria (22), Queensland (22) and Western Australia (15).
Two-thirds (64 per cent) of drowning deaths occurred in regional areas. These communities are prone to higher rates of drowning, due to exposure to natural waters, and limited access to safe swim areas.
People aged 55 years and older made up for one third of all summer drownings (32 per cent).Ten children were also victims to drowning over this same period.
Surf Life Saver from Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving Club Adam Lewin has encouraged safe swim practices and learn to swim programs.
“On some of the happiest days of the year I have seen devastating tragedy in the water,” he said.
“I cannot express how important it is to follow swim safe measures over the holidays, it is the prime time we see fatalities in the water.”
These concerning figures can be attributed to the decline in swimming education in Australian schools.
A Royal Life Saving Australia report stated that 46 per cent of Year 6 students (11-12 year olds) are unable to confidently swim 50 metres or tread water for two minutes. It also is apparent that swimming skills aren’t improving in high school.
Teachers estimate that 39 per cent of Year 10 students still do not meet the Year 6 benchmark, according to the report.
“For kids who are lucky enough to get regular swimming lessons, it helps tremendously,” Mr Lewin said.
“You can see the difference in confidence, awareness, and basic skills.
“But not all schools offer consistent programs, and a lot of children just miss out altogether.
“I’ve given talks at schools to students aged 12-14 and many of them aren’t even familiar with the concept of a sea current.”
The research shows that 31 per cent of schools do not offer learn-to-swim programs at all. Cost, staffing shortages, and time limitations are cited as major barriers.
In a public statement, Royal Life Saving Australia CEO Dr Justin Scarr expressed his concerns with the growing number of school students who have poor swimming abilities.
“It’s alarming to see so many missing out,” he said.
“We risk creating a generation with extremely poor swimming skills.
“Coordinated investments are needed to boost the swimming and lifesaving skills of children and young people, especially those aged 10-14 years who can’t yet swim 50 metres, before it’s too late.”
He said the decline in swimming abilities across the country means long-term investments into drowning prevention measures are urgently needed.
