Former Albury & Border Rescue Squad volunteer rescue diver Peter Wright OAM continues to issue warnings to locals not to be complacent around the Murray River and other inland bodies of water after several drowning fatalities this summer.
Tragically with four drowning fatalities in the region’s waterways in the past three months, locals keen to cool off are being urged to be extra cautious around the water.
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Sadly, two drowning deaths were recorded in the past month. A 23-year-old Victorian man's body was found in the Murray River at Barooga, while a 14-year-old girl tragically passed away in the Broken River south of Benalla over the Australia Day long weekend.
In November, a 51-year-old male tragically died on the Murray River in Moama after he fell overboard when the boat suddenly stopped to help a fallen water skier it was towing while a 54-year-old man drowned at Mildura earlier this month.
Luckily a 10-year-old Albury girl was rescued from a probable drowning on Lake Hume at Ebden on November 19 due to heroic efforts of three quick thinking tradespeople.
Local retired volunteer rescue diver Peter Wright OAM continues to issue warnings to locals not to be complacent around the Murray River and other inland bodies of water saying it is an ongoing issue.
“Water safety is an issue that cannot be stressed enough to the entire community,” Mr Wright said.
“The river is beautiful but it’s deceptive. The people most at risk are the ones who are unaware of the dangers.
“Everybody needs to take care around the water and be aware of the hazards.
“If you see someone doing something silly around the water, speak up.
“Look after your mates and family. Don’t be backward in coming forward.
“Particularly, supervision of children isn’t sitting on the bank, or chairs around the pool on your phone. It is eyes on the person in the water.
NSW Maritime pictured searching the Murray River at Barooga last month.
“Many drownings are avoidable if proper precautions have been taken. Even wearing a life jacket, you don’t have to be in a boat to wear a lifejacket. If you want to have fun at the river and you are not a good swimmer, lifejackets do save lives.
“The only way to minimise these tragedies from occurring is to be aware of the risks.
“One message I have really been passing on is that if you get into trouble, don’t panic.
“Go with the flow. The river has many curves and turns, you will come to the bank. If you try to swim against the current or across the river, that is when you get into trouble as you tire.
“It is just about keeping your head above water and doggy paddle. If you go downstream, 200, 300 yards, it doesn’t really matter, you will come to the bank or something you can hang on to.”
With the dire number of drownings this summer, Life Saving Victoria has recommended establishing lifesaving patrols at inland swimming locations, done through professional or volunteer lifeguards, rescue equipment, first aid and designated swim zones.
The organisation even funded a program on its own but did not have sufficient resources to continue it and has applied for state government funding to supervise activities at Victoria's ten most dangerous inland locations.
However, Mr Wright said it can be impractical and expensive to patrol areas like rivers and communities need to take more responsibility to be educated and aware of water hazards.
For more tips on water safety, visit the Royal Lifesaving Australia website.
The Corowa Aquatic Centre offers an extensive Learn to Swim Program for children, adults and NDIS participants. Residents are encouraged to find out more on these programs by visiting www.corowaaquaticcentre.com.au, or by contacting our friendly staff on (02) 60334401.
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