With summer only one day away and rising temperatures likely to see more and more West Australians heading to the beach to cool off, Surf Life Saving WA is reminding beachgoers to take the necessary precautions for an enjoyable day out.
Data from the 2024 National Coastal Safety Report shows that there were 20 coastal drowning deaths in WA last year, of which six occurred over the summer months.
Surf Life Saving WA General Manager of Lifesaving, Chris Peck, said it was a sobering reminder of the dangers our coastline held.
“Going to the beach with your friends and family is a way of life in WA, and fantastic memories can be created”, said Mr Peck.
“But we urge you to be aware that the ocean is dynamic and can throw up risks that need to be navigated to ensure you all go home safely together at the end of the day”.
With the launch of Surf Life Saving Australia’s new national water safety campaign just last week, Mr Peck urged beachgoers to heed the campaign’s catch cry: Stop. Look. Stay Alive!
“Stop before you go into the water. Look for the red and yellow flags of a patrolled location, or read the safety signs for known dangers at that beach. Assess the risk based on your abilities, and if in doubt, don’t go in”, said Mr Peck. “It really can be that simple.”
Amongst the statistics, males continue to be overrepresented, accounting for 90% of drowning deaths last year, with those in the 40-49 year age bracket accounting for 35% of these.
Last season, WA surf lifesavers performed more than 670 rescues, and while no drowning deaths occurred between the red and yellow flags, what is concerning is that of those deaths that occurred, 75% were over 1km from a lifesaving service.”
“What that’s telling us is that people are not swimming at locations where we have all of the safety systems that can help keep them safe,” he said.
Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Services patrol at more than 55 locations along the West Australian coast, and beachgoers are urged to seek out these locations.
In 2023/24, Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Services performed:
- 140,075 patrol hours
- 677 rescues
- 104,399 preventative actions
- 3,735 first aid treatments
The National Coastal Safety Report 2024 is a comprehensive summary and analysis of the research undertaken by Surf Life Saving Australia. It presents an evidence-based approach to participation, perceptions, surf lifesaving service delivery, coastal drowning deaths and other fatal coastal incidents. This report takes into account the period 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024. The full report can be viewed here.
National Coastal Safety Report 2024 insights for Western Australia include:
20 drowning deaths occurred along the WA coast in 2023/24, a 4.8% decrease on the previous year and 5.3% above the 10-year average.
Men continue to be over-represented, accounting for 90% of all drowning deaths in the past 12 months, including:
- 40-49 year olds accounted for 35%
- 60-69 year olds accounted for 20%
- 55% occurred in summer.
- 75% of drowning deaths occurred more than 1 kilometre from a patrolled beach.
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Watch the full 90 sec Stop. Look. Stay Alive! TV commercial here.
