Royal Life Saving calls on men to ‘make the right call’ after alarming rise in summer drownings

With a long weekend approaching, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is urging people, and men in particular, men to ‘Make the Right Call’ when they’re on, in, or near the water.

With the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning toll showings 62 people have drowned across Australia during the holiday season, a 19% increase on last summer, the body is particularly concerned that research shows the risk of drowning increases on public holidays.

Males make up 84% of all summer drowning deaths, with those aged between 18 and 64 years most at risk. More than one quarter (27%) have occurred in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams.

Royal Life Saving’s Make the Right Call campaign encourages men to look after their mates to keep each other safe around water, especially when swimming, boating, and fishing this holiday long weekend.

Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr explained “given we know that drowning risk increases on public holidays, we are asking men to make the right call and look after their mates to keep each other safe around water, especially when swimming, boating, and fishing this holiday long weekend.

“The best way for men to stay safe around water this weekend is to: avoid alcohol when you’re around water; wear a lifejacket if you are boating or fishing and never go alone.

“The use of alcohol and drugs around water causes men to overestimate their swimming abilities, underestimate the dangers of hazards like currents, water depth and changes in conditions, both a recipe for increased drowning over the holiday weekend.”

The Make the Right safety tips are:

1. Avoid alcohol around water

2. Wear a lifejacket when on the water

3. Avoid going alone around water

Royal Life Saving’s Make the Right Call campaign is supported by the Australian Government.