Alarming Rise in Holiday Drownings

The Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) is urging vigilance around water following ten drownings across Australia since Christmas Eve.

Justin Scarr, RLSSA's Chief Operating Officer says the deaths suggest water safety messages are being ignored.

Scarr stated "there was a young child that drowned in a swimming pool... the remainder were in lakes, rivers and also coastal locations.

"It just seems that (the message) is not getting through."

The most recent deaths involved a 15-year-old boy at Albert Park in Melbourne's south and 13-year-old Somali immigrant drowned while playing with his brothers in Bulimba Creek at Wishart in Brisbane's south.

Somali immigrant Salmon Arte went missing on Tuesday after being swept into a swollen creek. His body was recovered on Wednesday.

"10 drowning deaths in just six days is deeply alarming," Scarr stated, adding that the drownings "highlight that we must be very very careful when enjoying the fun of the aquatic environment."

RLSSA is urging people to swim only in recognised swimming locations, such as patrolled beaches or swimming pools.

"Rivers, lakes and dams often appear very still, but upon entering, the person can easily get into trouble.

"We are asking people to always swim with a friend, and if someone does get into trouble it is very important that people reach for rescue, or throw something.

"Entering the water is very dangerous in a rescue situation, unless you have the appropriate skills.

"If you are going boating, make sure you've taken all the right safety precautions and use personal flotation devices (lifejackets)," Scarr stated, concluding that "it's critical children are constantly supervised around water."

11th November 2009 - DROWNING SPARKS CALL FOR NATIONAL WATER SAFETY PROGRAM

15th September 2009 - HORROR YEAR FOR AUSTRALIAN DROWNINGS 

17th April 2009 - HORROR WEEK LEADS TO WATER SAFETY PLEA