Published 27 December 2021
New Royal Life Saving research shows that 1 in 4 adults are weak swimmers or can’t swim at all.
Poor or a total lack of swimming skills are thought to be a major factor in drowning over summer. 85% of drowning occurs in adults, with many incidents a result of falls from boats or rocks, or people being dragged into deep water by currents.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr said the new research showed is staggering, and non-swimming rates are much higher than the expected. The research showed that 35% of adults who were born overseas classified themselves as weak or non-swimmers.
“Not being able to swim puts adults at significant risk of drowning, especially when standing or wading in shallow water. Currents can easily drag people into deeper water at rivers, lakes and the beach, where they are unable to stay afloat long enough for rescue or swim their way to safety”. Mr Scarr said.
When asked about why they couldn’t swim 36% of respondents reported fear of the water prevented them from swimming, and 11% said it was due to their parents also not being able to swim.
“Even though many people fear the water, the holiday period increases the likelihood that non-swimmers enter the water to play or sit in the shallows. It really is a case of knowing your limitations, being aware of the environment and avoiding getting out of your depth” Scarr said
The study found that 1 in 5 people have experienced some form of trouble in the water, with half of those incidents occurring in rivers (49.1%), the ocean (20.1%), lakes (10.8%) or at the beach (5.6%).
The Royal Life Saving research also highlights that swimming skills are not always transferrable from swimming pools to open waterways. When comparing their skills in a pool, 39% of adults said that they were less confident that they could swim as far in open waters such as rivers, lakes, or the ocean.
Alcohol continues to be a drowning issue over summer. 24% of adults surveyed said that they sometimes enter the water after consuming alcohol, with Queenslanders and those WA most likely to swim after drinking.
“It is the Christmas message we are almost sick of delivering. Avoid alcohol around water. Make the right call and keep you and your mates safe.” Mr Scarr said.
Royal Life Saving is reminding Australians to enjoy the water safely this summer. Wherever you are in Australia, these are our top five tips to enjoy the water safely:
- Always supervise children around water
- Avoid alcohol around water
- Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing
- Avoid going alone
- Know the conditions
Royal Life Saving is again running its summer drowning toll this year.
