Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy is reminding residents to stay safe around water over the coming months, as temperatures are set to rise and more and more people flock to the water to cool down.
“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to ensure they are being safe and sensible when it comes to water,” Mr McCurdy said.
There has been a spate of drownings over the Christmas break in Victoria.
The Nationals MP is urging people to have fun around water but to also show common sense.
“In order to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your friends, I encourage everyone to be smart around water,” he said.
“Be aware of your surroundings, swim to the conditions and your abilities.”
He is urging residents to take care of each other and for those with children to be especially vigilant.
“Particularly for those with young children, supervision is critical, as are the simple things such as wearing a life jacket on a boat,” he said.
Drowning deaths have been on the increase in recent years.
According to the Royal Life Saving Society, the 2021-22 summer saw a 30 per cent increase in drowning deaths across Australia.
Places such as the Murray River are especially dangerous, with cold temperatures, dangerous undercurrents and submerged objects all posing a risk to swimmers.
Unlike beaches, they are also often unmonitored, which means those who do get in trouble have a poorer chance of being rescued.