Key Royal Life Saving research shows drowning risk of dams, ponds and irrigation channels

Major new analysis from Royal Life Saving Society - Australia has revealed the shows the significant drowning risks presented by dams, ponds and irrigation channels.

With an average of 168 people annual drownings in regional and remote Australia over the past 19 years - representing 60% of all drowning deaths have been in regional and remote Australia - Royal Life Saving says that while many people are very aware of the risks posed by flooding but sometimes forget about the everyday risks.

The organisation also warns that flooding wreaking havoc on properties across Australia, the immediate risks from flood water are not the only drowning risk on farms.

Royal Life Saving’s National Manager - Research & Policy, Stacey Pidgeon says Farm Safety Week is the right time for people to think about key risk factors noting that there are low cost or no cost safety precautions people can take on a farm to reduce the risk of drowning.

Pidgeon stated “people are aware of the risks posed by flooding and tend to take precautions when floods are peaking, or during the cleaning up period, but they forget the everyday risks.

“Swimming pools can be fenced, but it’s not that easy when you’ve got irrigation channels, dams, or ponds. However, there are some low or no cost safety precautions that people can take on their farms to reduce the risk of drowning.

“If you have young children, having an enclosed child safe play area close to the house so they can’t wander off is important. Put up close the gate signs as that visual prompt to make sure visitors don’t accidentally leave an access way open.

“If you need to do some work near an irrigation channel, pond, or dam, don’t go alone. If something unexpected happens and you fall into the water having someone who can respond straight away can literally be the difference between life and death.

“Don’t go for a swim alone. With all the wet weather that we’ve had across Australia, erosion has changed the conditions and previously safe swimming places might no longer be suitable.”