“The dangers are heightened when people travel, visit unfamiliar locations or celebrate near water,” chief executive Justin Scarr said on Sunday.
‘Riskiest time’
“The festive season is a time for relaxing, social gatherings and celebrations, but we know this is the riskiest time to be around water,” Scarr said.
Summer drownings are up this season compared to 2023, when 13 deaths were recorded in the first 20 days of the season.
What precautions should you take around water this summer?
Heatwaves and high temperatures this summer will likely push the risk even higher. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi
“Afternoon hours are especially dangerous as people gather near pools, rivers, beaches and lakes, so this Christmas, we’re urging everyone to take simple but vital precautions around water,” Scarr said.
“Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities, supervise children, avoid alcohol around water, check the weather forecast, be prepared to change your plans and always wear a life jacket when boating or fishing.”
The first day of a trip or holiday is often the most hazardous, as people are unfamiliar with their surroundings.
Almost 40 per cent of people who drowned during the holiday period were migrants, and more than 30 per cent of deaths in 2023 involved incidents in which more than one person drowned.