ROYAL Life Saving Australia is urging men to make the right call around water and look after themselves, their mates and their families.
Men continue to be over-represented in drowning statistics, particularly during holiday periods when people are travelling, socialising and spending time around rivers, lakes, dams and coastal waterways.
Over the last decade, 2285 males have fatally drowned. On average, 228 fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, friends drown each year. Males continue to be over-represented, making up 80 per cent of all drowning deaths.
Inland waterways pose higher risks for younger men aged 25-34 years, with 42 per cent of all drowning in this age group occurring at rivers/creeks, and lakes/dams. In comparison, men in the 35-44 age group drown in a range of locations, including at beaches (26 per cent) and rivers/creek (26 per cent).
Alcohol is a significant factor for drowning in men. Research shows that 25-34 years age group report the highest proportion (31 per cent) of alcohol-related drowning compared to all other age groups.
In response, Royal Life Saving has launched its Make the Right Call campaign, targeting men aged 25-45 years and promoting a commonsense approach to safety around water, encouraging men to look after their mates and make safer decisions when swimming, boating and fishing.
Public holiday long weekends are known to be higher-risk periods for drowning, people travelling to unfamiliar locations, social gatherings and alcohol often combining to increase danger around water. As of January 20 this year, 42 people have drowned. Of these, 88 per cent were male, 21 per cent were aged between 18 and 34 years with the majority being male.
Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr said: “We know that young men often overestimate their skills and ability around water, and underestimate the dangers of hazards like currents, water depth and changes in conditions, which can be heightened with alcohol and influence from peers.”
The Make the Right Call campaign advocates a simple, commonsense approach to water safety by encouraging men to protect themselves and their mates also through wearing life jackets when on the water and to avoid going to the water alone.
Royal Life Saving’s Make the Right Call campaign is supported by the Federal Government with a key message; Looking after mates can save lives.
For more about the Make the Call Campaign, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/maketherightcall