Midpoint update introduces three national imperatives that will transform water safety
Summer is a great time to be enjoying water activities. However, it's important to be safe in, on and around water.
The Australian Water Safety Council recently reviewed and updated the Australian Water Safety Strategy (AWSS) which aims to reduce the number of water related deaths occurring across Australia.
The AWSS details three national priorities to reverse the record drowning in our country:
- strengthening the swimming abilities of all Australians and renewing our focus on water safety
- localising water safety efforts through empowered grassroots initiatives.
- aligning policies and partnerships, at all levels of government, and across all sectors, particularly education, tourism and health to improve awareness and message delivery.
The Strategy, which was initially released in 2021, seeks to halve the number of fatal drownings by 2030.The review has shown Australia is not on track to meet that target.
Sadly, there has been a significant increase in drowning deaths in the past year alone. This is due to a range of factors including a decline in swimming skills, a desire to explore new and less crowded areas that may not be as safe (such as national parks), and an ageing population.
The Australian Government is committed to improving water safety and provides funding to the Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving Australia under the Water and Snow Safety Program.
This program supports prevention and intervention activities that reduce water-related injuries and deaths, helping the government to meet its commitment to the national target.
We can all work together to keep every community safe around water. You can prioritise water safety this summer by:
- always supervising children around water
- swimming at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
- wearing a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or on watercraft
- avoiding alcohol and drugs around water
- knowing your limits and the conditions
- learning swimming and lifesaving skills.
