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By now there have been 30 deaths recorded in Australia this summer that falls into the drowning category at beaches. These cases have raised a very important question as to why are people not following the rules while coming to beaches and why is their ignorance of the same. This has to lead the authorities to be more concerned about the water safety education than before.
Most of the drowning cases involve reasons like not following the rules or not being aware of them. This has led to a serious concern for introducing water safety program for students who come to Australia, migrants, and tourists. Every year around 30% of the total accidental cases of drowning involve non-Australians. Summers being holiday time for many sees most of these statistics as the weather is good and days are longer. Parties are also common at this time and thus usage of drugs and alcohol.
What Should You do?
While going for a swim, one must be careful as to swim only in the managed areas which are under observation and also make sure to swim only between the flags. Furthermore, if you are new to Australia, make yourself familiar with the water sports rules and also the risks that may be involved. Always be in touch with our family abroad and let them be informed about your outing plans. Try to be with a group whenever you go out so that there is someone who can watch over you.
Read More: Aussie reasons for swimming
Useful Swimming Techniques
In case you get caught up in a situation, raise an alarm and call for help. Always try to float with the current of water and return to a shallow sandbank. To escape the rip current, try to swim parallel to the beach. Take swimming lessons from experts and always remember to swim in monitored areas.
Read More: Staying Safe at Beaches in Australia
On the New Year’s Day, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged three million dollars to Surf Lifesaving Australia to support their work in saving lives. While speaking at the announcement, he recalled his childhood memory when he fell off his surfer plane and how his father had saved him. He said, “I remember as a kid out just off Ben Buckler here, falling off my surfer plane. I was in plenty of trouble. I can still see my father swimming through the surf, swimming through and he got me. That’s what lifesavers do. That’s what we have to do to look after each other here.”
