Play it safe over the long weekend

Thursday 23 January 2025

As Australians prepare to enjoy the last of the school holiday period and head to the beach over the Australia Day long weekend, surf lifesavers are pleading with beachgoers to be safe.

Tragically there have been 37 coastal drowning deaths this summer* alone, with 100% of all drownings occurring away from the red and yellow safety flags at unpatrolled locations.

As we head into the Australia Day long weekend, surf lifesavers are again calling for vigilance while enjoying Australia’s coastline. Drowning risk is more than 4.25 times higher on a public holiday, with beachgoers seeking out quieter beaches, and more likely to engage in risk taking behaviours including mixing alcohol and other drug consumption with swimming and other aquatic activities.

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Director of Lifesaving, Chris Jacobson, said people need to keep water safety top of mind while visiting the beach over the long weekend.

“Every life lost on our beaches is one too many, and sadly this summer we have already seen 37 coastal drowning fatalities," he said. “We know that during the holiday period our beaches can be busy, but swimming between the red and yellow flags remains the safest place for people to enjoy our spectacular Australian coastline. If our surf lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you.

“We are reminding people to Stop, Look, Stay Alive. Look for the red and yellow flags, if they are on the beach, swim between them.  If you find yourself at an unpatrolled beach, look for signs and warnings about the sea, look at the conditions and weather forecast and be on the look out for rip currents and other dangers.

“With drowning risk more than 4 times higher over a public holiday, we are most concerned for men who continue to represent close to 90% of all drowning deaths, in particular, those aged 35-49 years old who remain a high risk group.

“More than 3,300 rescues have been performed this summer alone, with each of those people having a near miss with a high chance of not returning home to their loved ones had it not been for our surf lifesavers and lifeguards.

“Before visiting the beach this weekend, be sure to complete our free online beach passport for basic training and to brush up on your water safety knowledge – it could save your life,” he said.

Play it safe over the long weekend