As part of Georges River Council's Get Summer Ready campaign, residents are reminded to stay vigilant and water-aware to ensure safety around waterways and pools.
According to the National Drowning Report 2024, New South Wales has the highest drowning rates in Australia, with 25 percent of drowning victims being born overseas.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg emphasised the importance of water safety for everyone in the community.
"Water safety is vital not only during summer but all year round. We encourage families to ensure children are learning to swim, parents are familiar with resuscitation techniques, and everyone is practicing safe habits around water," Mayor Borg said.
"Knowledge is power, and by staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can prevent unsafe situations. Council fully supports initiatives such as the Swim Into Summer with Kids Alive program and the safety messages from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service."
According to Kids Alive Do The Five, 1 in 5 families has experienced a pool-related emergency, with 87 percent of these incidents involving children. The primary cause is lapses in supervision. The program also emphasises the importance of inspecting pool gates to ensure they are secure, self-closing, and compliant. Faulty gates or latches should be promptly repaired or replaced. Active supervision remains the best way to protect children in and around water.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has also issued important water safety guidelines for visitors to national parks. They urge everyone to follow their Stop, Look, and Stay Alive protocol:
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Stop before entering the water.
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Look for signs, warnings, and hazards such as rip currents, submerged objects, or sudden drop-offs.
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Assess your abilities and the conditions. If it's unsafe, don't swim—and never swim alone.
Hidden dangers such as cold water, strong currents, and rocky areas can turn a fun outing into a life-threatening situation, so preparation is key.
Water safety resources are available on the Kids Alive website. Residents can also visit the Check Your Pool Gate website for essential pool safety tips and to download a comprehensive pool safety checklist.
