NSW Police are urging the public to make safety the priority when in, on or around water this summer, particularly when enjoying inland waterways including rivers, dams and lakes, NSW Police say.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM, said police do not want to see any more tragedies in or on our waterways throughout the holiday season and over the 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," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie 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 you’re at the beach, a river, lake or swimming pool, it is important to know the conditions and possible hazards that you may encounter.
"It is also important to follow directions given by authorities whether it be police, lifesavers or maritime, and know your own capabilities.
"If you’ve been drinking, do not swim – alcohol and water do not mix," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Hutchings said the community needs to 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. Drownings are a sobering reminder of the power of not only the ocean, but any body of water across the state," Supt Hutchings said.
"We are urging swimmers to behave responsibly and remember that a situation in or on the water can change quickly and without warning.
"There is a reason our beaches are patrolled, so make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags. The same goes for our rivers, lakes and dams – always swim with someone else, look out for one another and never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs," Supt Hutchings said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant urged people to heed the safety warnings this festive season to avoid another tragedy.
"There were 36 drownings last summer alone. The last thing anyone wants to see is that kind of terrible loss of life around our waterways again this year," Mr Grant said.
"Don’t be fooled into thinking our inland waterways are any less treacherous. You still need to follow those simple precautions from our emergency services, and make sure you’re not overestimating your abilities or underestimating the conditions, because that that’s when things can sadly go wrong," he added.
With extra boats expected across inland waterways over the 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, it’s safer not to drink at all," Supt Hutchings said.
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 Zero (000) for police.
More information about water safety in NSW is available at www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au
