Royal Life Saving Society of Australia Tourism New South Wales - safety tips Surf Life Saving Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) This information can be downloaded in other languages: Arabic Chinese English Korean Macedonian Turkish Vietnamese Need a copy of Acrobat Reader?

Beware of fast-flowing water, submerged objects and deep water.

Check the conditions. Ask someone who is familiar with the area.

• Look for and read the water safety signs and obey lifeguards/lifesavers instructions.
• If you are caught in a rip or current, float on your back and travel downstream. Don’t try to swim against it.
• Always check the water depth before entering.
• If you feel cold in the water, get out as quickly as you can.
• Beware of slippery banks or paths near waterfalls.
• Never swim following the consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
• Never swim alone.
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, then float and wait for assistance. Float with a current or undertow.
• If someone needs help in the water, stay dry. Reach out with a stick or throw a rope.

Inland waterways - Farms - frequently asked questions

Q: Who drowns on Australian farms?
Whilst people of all ages drown on Australian farms, generally it is children (aged less than 15). The highest risk category are children aged less than 5.

Q: Where on farms do people drown?
Drowning deaths on farms most commonly occur in dams, water reservoirs and irrigation channels, as well as in creeks and rivers. There have also been cases recorded where young children have drowned in stock troughs, uncovered sewerage and effluent ponds, wells, and an uncovered posthole after a period of rain.

Q: How can I prevent people from drowning on my farm?
30% of toddler drownings occur in lakes, rivers and dams. You can restrict your child’s access to these dangers by creating a “Child Safe Area” in and around your home. Remember dams are dangerous.
The best way to reduce the risk of drowning on a farm is to isolate children from water sources. The most effective method of achieving this is through parental supervision/childcare and the creation of safe play areas that isolate the child from hazards. Non-open bodies of water such as tanks, troughs and sewerage should be covered and isolated, open bodies of water such as dams may be fenced off. Older children should be enrolled in swimming lessons and have rules set that do not allow them to go near water hazards.
All pools on the farm should be fenced according to the pool fencing standards.

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