By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay has recorded the fifth highest amount of fatal drownings over the past decade, according to Life Saving Victoria’s [LSV] report on drownings for the 2021-22 financial year.
According to the report, the decade’s trends showed fatal drownings in Hobsons Bay between 2012-13 and 2021-22 were people aged between 25 and 44 while swimming, paddling or wading in the region’s beaches.
The report also detailed that 53 people drowned during July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 period in Victorian waters, which was 10 more than decade’s average.
LSV research and evaluation Dr Hannah Calverley said while the previous year saw a reduction in drownings compared to last year’s report, they still urged Victorians to be vigilant around water to continue reduction in drownings.
“Despite slightly fewer fatalities than last year’s record-breaking toll of 61, the reality is that 53 lives were lost to drowning this year – that’s 53 too many,” she said.
“My heart goes out to everyone affected.
“This is the second consecutive year that the Victorian drowning toll has bucked what had otherwise been a downward trend.”
The report highlighted that fatal drowning incidents involving people aged 65 and older doubled when compared to the 10-year average, with males aged 65 and older accounting for close to one-third of drownings reported in Victorian waters this year.
The data also highlighted the drowning rate for females was currently 19 per cent higher than the past decade’s average, while drownings in children aged four years and younger recorded a 19 per cent increase compared to the decade average.
According to LSV, safety water tips included wearing an appropriate, well-maintained, and well-fitted lifejacket when boating and fishing, swimming with a friend at patrolled locations during patrolled times, including between the red and yellow flags at beaches, actively supervising children around water, checking the weather conditions before entering the water and not consuming alcohol or other drugs before entering the water.
Details: lsv.com.au/LSV-Drowning-Report-2021-22/index.html
