As Australians flock to the nation’s beaches to celebrate the summer holidays, a tragic trend is unfolding. Surf Life Saving Australia has issued an urgent warning as the country’s December drowning toll reaches a staggering 32 deaths, matching the grim total from the previous year. The alarming spike underscores the elevated risks swimmers face during the festive season.
Quadruple Drowning Risk Over Summer Break
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir cautioned that the drowning risk skyrockets to four times the normal level during the summer public holidays. He attributes this concerning trend to beachgoers increasingly venturing to unpatrolled beaches and swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“In order to enjoy our beaches, we want to make sure people are only swimming at patrolled beaches and make safety their top priority,”
– Adam Weir, Surf Life Saving Australia CEO
Deadly December Takes Heavy Toll
The latest drowning death occurred on Sunday when a 21-year-old man failed to resurface while swimming with family and friends in the Murrumbidgee River near Canberra. His body was recovered after a two-hour search, marking the ACT’s first drowning in December. Sadly, it was the nation’s 32nd, with NSW recording the highest number at 10, followed by Queensland at 8.
Tragic Loss of Perth Couple
Western Australia’s drowning toll reached 7 after the devastating loss of Mohammad Swapan, 44, and his wife Sabrina Ahmed, 40. The Perth couple drowned while attempting to rescue their daughters from a rip at Conspicuous Cliff beach. Though the girls survived, the community is mourning the loss of the beloved associate professor and government planner.
Men at Greatest Risk
RJ Houston from Royal Life Saving Australia highlighted that men account for a disproportionate two-thirds of December’s drowning deaths. “Blokes in particular need to look out for themselves around water and be aware of their limitations,” he stressed. This gender disparity mirrors the annual trend, with men representing 80% of the 323 lives lost in Australian waterways in the year to June 2024.
Staying Safe This Summer
To prevent further tragedies, surf life savers are urging swimmers to follow these essential safety tips:
- Only swim at patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags
- Never swim alone and always supervise children around water
- Avoid alcohol and drugs before swimming or boating
- Learn to spot and escape rip currents
- Wear a life jacket when boating or rock fishing
As the summer holidays continue, Australians are reminded to make water safety a top priority. By heeding the warnings of surf life savers and following simple precautions, beachgoers can enjoy the nation’s iconic coastline while minimizing the risk of becoming another tragic statistic in the country’s drowning toll.
