ITS time to make safety the priority when in or around inland waterway this summer, NSW Police have urged Central West residents. Rivers, dams and lakes were the location of 25 per cent of all drowning deaths last year, data from Royal Life Saving Australia shows. So far this summer, 15 people have lost their lives by drowning – 60 per cent of these deaths were at inland waterways. READ MORE: River drowning death, warning issued by Royal Life Saving Australia NSW Police Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, said police do not want to see any more tragedies in or on waterways during the holiday season and summer months. “The key to being safe on the water is assessing the environment you are in and taking simple precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others,” he said. “The appearance of many inland waterways, including rivers and dams, can be deceiving, such as the depth, current, temperature or submerged objects, so it is important to check before you get in – or you might be caught out. “Unfortunately, we find that many drownings and near-drownings could have been prevented by heeding safety messages. “We want everyone be safe and have fun this summer, so whether youre at the beach, a river, lake or swimming pool, it is important to know the conditions and possible hazards that you may encounter. Assistant Commissioner McKechnie also urged people not to drink after they have been swimming alcohol. READ ALSO: Man assaulted during violent break and enter Marine Area Commander Superintendent Mark Hutchings said the community should be aware of the risks associated with inland waterways. “There is a misconception among the community that inland waterways are risk free – this is not the case,” he said. “Drownings are a sobering reminder of the power of not only the ocean, but any body of water across the state.” With extra boats expected across inland waterways during coming months, the NSW Police Marine Area Command will be out in force to ensure the safety of all those that choose to enjoy activities on the water. “Skippers are also reminded of their responsibilities whether you are in, on or around water, safety should be top of mind,” Supt Hutchings said. “As the skipper of a vessel, you are responsible for ensuring it is safe to go out and have all the required safety equipment on board. READ ALSO: Very annoyed: Yvette Quinn breaks silence over lack of support from Nationals “Police, maritime and fisheries officers will be out on the water conducting safety checks and will issue fines for non-compliance. “Remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, its safer not to drink at all.”
ITS time to make safety the priority when in or around inland waterway this summer, NSW Police have urged Central West residents.
Rivers, dams and lakes were the location of 25 per cent of all drowning deaths last year, data from Royal Life Saving Australia shows.
So far this summer, 15 people have lost their lives by drowning – 60 per cent of these deaths were at inland waterways.
NSW Police Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, said police do not want to see any more tragedies in or on waterways during the holiday season and summer months.
“The key to being safe on the water is assessing the environment you are in and taking simple precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others,” he said.
“The appearance of many inland waterways, including rivers and dams, can be deceiving, such as the depth, current, temperature or submerged objects, so it is important to check before you get in – or you might be caught out.
“Unfortunately, we find that many drownings and near-drownings could have been prevented by heeding safety messages.
“We want everyone be safe and have fun this summer, so whether youre at the beach, a river, lake or swimming pool, it is important to know the conditions and possible hazards that you may encounter.
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie also urged people not to drink after they have been swimming alcohol.
Marine Area Commander Superintendent Mark Hutchings said the community should be aware of the risks associated with inland waterways.
“There is a misconception among the community that inland waterways are risk free – this is not the case,” he said.
“Drownings are a sobering reminder of the power of not only the ocean, but any body of water across the state.”
Boating on inland waterways?
With extra boats expected across inland waterways during coming months, the NSW Police Marine Area Command will be out in force to ensure the safety of all those that choose to enjoy activities on the water.
“Skippers are also reminded of their responsibilities whether you are in, on or around water, safety should be top of mind,” Supt Hutchings said.
“As the skipper of a vessel, you are responsible for ensuring it is safe to go out and have all the required safety equipment on board.
“Police, maritime and fisheries officers will be out on the water conducting safety checks and will issue fines for non-compliance.
“Remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, its safer not to drink at all.”
Tips for keeping safe in or on NSW waterways:
- At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Read and observe the safety signs
- Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice
- Always swim with someone else and look out for each other
- Always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Learn how to identify a rip
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention
- Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing
- If witnessing an in-water emergency, call triple-0 for police.
- More information about water safety in NSW is available at www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au
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Nyngan Observer
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