We all know supervision is a must and when we are at the beach, the safest place to swim is in between the flags. As summer approaches, swimming pool gates are checked and locked, but what precautions do we take when we travel to and swim in Inland Waterways?In 2013-2014, Inland Waterways saw the highest number of drowning deaths (39%), compared to Swimming Pools (15%) and Beaches (13%). Overall, 266 people drowned in Australian waterways and 105 of these occurred in Inland Waterways (National Drowning Report, 2014).

What is an Inland Waterway?

River

Creek

Stream

Lake

Dam

Lagoon

Inland Waterways and General Safety:

 - Inland waterway safety is key. As summer approaches, South East Queensland (SEQ) Water encourages you to be DAM Smart by following these simple steps:

 - Always supervise your children

 - Keep safe distances between power boats and swimmers/paddle crafts. Boats should allow 30 meters between the boat and  swimmer/paddle craft, jet skies should allow 60 meters between the jet ski and  swimmer/paddle craft

 - Keep to the recommended speed limits

 - Only operate a power boat if your alcohol level reading is under 0.05, on the road and on the water. This equates to approximately one or two standard alcoholic drinks.

 - Only operate a boat or vessel if you are licensed and experienced

 - Water crafts should only be launched into the water from designated launch points (such as a boat ramp)

To provide a safe environment for yourself and your family, make sure you are aware of the possible dangers which exist in and around inland waterways:

 - Submerged Objects. Submerged trees, branches and boulders are often invisible from above the surface and present a real risk of neck and spinal injuries, especially to divers. Never dive into inland waterways. Enter the water slowly, feet first.

 - Banks. A crumbling riverbank can mean an accidental fall into the water. Falls into Inland Waterways accounted for 29 out of the 105 deaths

 - Riverbeds. Uneven or unstable riverbeds and slippery underwater obstacles can be a contributing factor to injury or death

 - Water Temperature. Water can be a lot colder than it appears. Hypothermia can occur if the body’s internal temperature suddenly drops and puts your vital organs at risk

 - Flooded Waterways. Do not try and cross via swimming or with a paddle craft or powered vessel

 - Heavy rainfall. Storms can dramatically alter the water level of inland waterways. Use caution, even in familiar environments

 - Currents. Very unpredictable as they rarely follow the contour of the river. REMEMBER that water conditions in inland waterways can change often. Although it may have been suitable an hour ago, it can change hourly due to the current.

Real Life Stories

Kyle Vassil, aged 12, tragically died in a cold, dirty dam while at a school camp in February 2010. Kyle had been swimming for four or five minutes while close to shore when he started to struggle. When Kyle became anxious and panicked, due to a possible asthma attack, two of his classmates tried to assist him. It is hard to determine the exact physiological process which caused or contributed to Kyle’s submersion, but Kyle was unable to be saved.

 21-year old, Ben Reddic was recreating in Brisbane River in October, 2014. The young fitness instructor failed to resurface when he dived into the river and swam to retrieve a nearby floating soccer ball that was floating away. Ben’s body was found 2 days later. The search was deemed difficult due to the submerged trees, branches, and boulders, that were present. Unfortunately, Ben submerged on a Sunday, contributing to the most popular day of people drowning.

Although the overall drowning deaths decreased from 2012-2013 and was the lowest number recorded in the past 12 years, there was a 3 per cent increase on the 10 year average of drowning in inland waterways. ALWAYS take caution when swimming. Australia Wide First Aid wishes you a safe and injury-free summer.