Many Indians have lost their lives in Australia due to drowning.
23-year-old Paul Rayudu, an international student at La Trobe University in Melbourne was swimming with his girlfriend, Virajitha Kelangi at the WaterMarc Aquatic centre in Greensborough in Melbourne in February 2014
Another Indian student, 25-year-old in South Australia while taking part in Holi festival in March 2016.
Paul and Alpesh are not alone. Many Indian immigrants and international students who arrive in Australia do not have swimming skills required to swim in deep waters.
Australian Water Safety Council states that in last 11 years, (2004-05 to 2014/15), more than three thousand people have drowned in Australia.
Drowning data report shows that 3,116 lives in last 11 years or an average of 283 deaths per year were lost to drowning.
Drowning impact is greatest in:
- children under five,
- coastal and inland waterways,
- and those from Cultural Linguistically Diverse Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
Alcohol and/or drugs is also known to be a factor in 34% of drowning deaths.
While males are four times more likely to drown than females, Australian government has specifically identified members of cultural and linguistically diverse communities as being highly susceptible to drowning.
Here’s how you can keep yourself safe in water at beaches:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Look and take notice of the signs at the beach
- Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for safety advice
- Learn how to identify a
- Swim with a friend - never swim or surf alone and children should always be supervised by adults.
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm above your head
- Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs
- Wear sunscreen, seek shade and stay hydrated
- Boat skippers and rockfishers should check the local forecast and always wear a lifejacket
- If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the or download the .
Here's how to stay safe in swimming pools:
- Take swimming lessons. Most universities and public pools offer cheap lessons for adult beginners. Modest swimwear is available if you’re uncomfortable wearing Australian-style swimming costumes.
- Never jump or dive into water when you don’t know how deep it is. People can be seriously injured or killed if the water is shallower than they think and they hit the bottom.
