The alarming number of inland drownings and near drownings in inland waters, including our Murray River, was discussed at a forum hosted by Life Saving Victoria at the All Seasons Resort Hotel in Bendigo recently.
Titled ‘Inland Waterways Forum 2024’, the forum also reviewed policies and practices that have been strongly promoted and supported by both Life Saving Victoria and Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia.
It was a well-attended and important gathering, with representatives from a broad range of organisations from both the Emergency Services, including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the SES, and the triple Zero call centre.
Victoria’s local government councils were represented with senior staff in key roles in attendance, as well as Albury City Council. Outdoor activity groups and Multi-Cultural Community representatives were also active in discussing ways to get the water safety message across to those they represent.
For over 40 years, Corowa Corowa Rescue Squad stalwart Peter Wright OAM has bravely retrieved bodies, including those of children, from the Murray River—a notorious drowning black spot. His commitment to this harrowing task is driven by a sense of duty and compassion, despite the emotional toll it takes.
He attended the forum. “I have to say that it was encouraging and gratifying to be involved with such a large group of like-minded people, so focused on one topic: inland drownings and how to reduce the staggering numbers of these incidents,” he told The Free Press.
“For many, a drowning is headline news for a few days then something else takes over. The emotional, financial and ongoing ‘cost’ of every drowning is so much more than many people realise.”
One important aspect of the discussion was the role local councils must play in identifying risk - via a documented risk assessment process- identifying potential hazards in inland waterways and putting strategies in place to minimise the dangers to the public.
“From many legal aspects, local councils are considered the ‘Responsible Person’ for identifying and managing risk and potential hazards of these waterways, within their shire,” Mr Wright said.
“From our local perspective, in some areas, Federation Council is the ‘Responsible Person’ regarding these waterways within our shire. It was encouraging to see the work so many councils have done, through this process, to identify hazards, and put in place measures to minimise that risk or hazard.”
Mr Wright was pleased to have been invited to attend this forum and offer some input from a former recovery diver perspective, as well as representing the Corowa Rescue Squad.
“Water Safety is everyone’s responsibility, in swimming pools, baths, dams and rivers. Over 95 per cent of inland waterway drownings are avoidable. Every drowning changes so many lives forever.
“Please do absolutely all you can to ensure that your family and friends are not impacted by this tragic avoidable occurrence.”
Websites for any and all water safety advice Life Saving Victoria at lsv.com.au and for Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia: royallifesaving.com.au