National Water Safety Day 2024
1st December 2024
What Is National Water Safety Day?
National Water Safety Day raises awareness to prevent drowning and promote safe practices around water. At Beach Safety Hub, we’re dedicated to keeping Australia’s beaches and waterways safe for everyone. In 2024, join us in making water safety a priority - whether at the surf, pool or inland waterways.
Why Water Safety Matters?
Last summer, 134 drowning deaths and 8,857 rescues were reported, with men accounting for 78% of fatalities. This highlights the urgent need for safety education in a country where most people live near the coast.
- 39% of summer drowning deaths were adults 55+
- Many happened in isolated, unpatrolled areas like beaches, rivers, and lakes
- In 10 years, 197 children under 5 drowned; 65% were in pools or bathtubs
- Last year, Surf lifesavers performed over 2.4 million preventative actions
New National Water Safety Campaign
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Launches “Stay, Look, Stay Alive” Campaign with Angus Sampson
Surf Life Saving Australia has unveiled its new “Stay, Look, Stay Alive” campaign to help reduce coastal drowning incidents. With men representing a significant portion of drowning victims, the campaign focuses on promoting safer beach practices through three simple steps: Stop, Look, and Stay Alive.
Actor Angus Sampson leads the campaign, delivering critical water safety messages with humor and relatability to make beach safety a priority.
- STOP: Pause and assess the risks before entering the water
- LOOK: Check conditions and locate patrolled areas
- STAY ALIVE: Make safety a priority by swimming between the flags
As part of the initiative, Surf Life Saving Australia introduces the free online Beach Passport Program supported by Qantas, designed to teach essential beach safety knowledge. This program encourages everyone to be prepared before heading to the beach. Participants also have the chance to earn Qantas Points upon completion
