Jordan Doherty
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has released its 2021-22 drowning report, including key trends from Brimbank local government during the past decade. In the decade between 2012-13 to 2021-22, most drownings in Brimbank occurred in a river, creek or stream.
The most at-risk Brimbank residents were 0-4 year old children. Key activities preceding drowning were also walking or playing near water.
More broadly, 53 lives were lost across Victoria to drowning between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, which is 10 more than the decade’s average.
A further 111 people’s lives were changed forever after narrowly surviving non-fatal drowning incidents attended by paramedics.
LSV’s manager – research and evaluation, Dr Hannah Calverley expressed sympathies to those whose loved ones were represented in this year’s drowning report.
“Despite slightly fewer fatalities than last year’s record-breaking toll of 61, the reality is that 53 lives were lost to drowning this year, that’s 53 too many. We’d like to send our sincere condolences to everyone affected,” Dr Calverley said.
“This is the second consecutive year that the Victorian drowning toll has bucked what had otherwise been a downward trend. We’re urging Victorians to be vigilant around water to help put an end to drownings and prevent further tragedy.”
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said Victoria had grappled with rising drowning tolls in recent years, as evidenced within the report.
He noted, “Safety must be the number one priority for people when they’re out enjoying our waterways. Safety is a shared responsibility and people must understand their risks when they’re in and around water.”
People partaking in water activities are advised to ensure that they are wearing the correct, properly-fitted, and well-maintained life jacket for chosen activity.
