Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is urging residents and visitors taking advantage of the Coast’s myriad beaches, waterways and estuaries this Summer to put water safety first.
She said each waterway had its own unique set of risks.
“Here on the Central Coast, we have so many spectacular and distinctive bodies of water, from rivers to beaches, dams and lagoons, and each comes with a unique set of challenges to consider.
“So ahead of getting out on the water, it is important to take responsibility and set aside some thinking time to get ‘Summer ready’.
“Getting Summer ready is about understanding the ways in which to stay safe in around these beautiful places … for the safety of ourselves and our community.
“Whether you are out water skiing on Brisbane Water or taking a cooling dip at any one of our 41 beautiful beaches, safety is everyone’s responsibility – at any age, or life stage.
“The flat surfaces of our waterways can give a false sense of security.
“Water conditions suitable one day can change hourly.”
Tesch said 281 people drowned in Australian waterways between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
“We all know the devastating and lasting impacts that drowning deaths (and near drownings) have upon our families, our friends and our communities … as well as those who put their lives at risk to save others.”
Three years ago, Chrystal Lynch was one of two Peninsula mums involved in successfully rescuing a family that had been struggling in a rip in the surf near Ocean Beach Holiday Resort.
In the time since, Lynch has gone on to obtain her Bronze Medallion with Umina Beach Surf Club.
The Bronze Medallion is a nationally recognised lifesaving award that equips people with the skills to keep people safe around water, perform a safe and effective aquatic rescue and even save a life.
“The effects of the rescue have been challenging, ongoing … and I’ve sought support from a counsellor in the years since,” she said.
“I completed my Bronze Medallion with the surf club this year which has helped me feel so much stronger in the water.
“I did it because I just never wanted to be in a position of not feeling strong enough to do what I had to do (back in 2021).
“Completing the medallion has really helped improve my knowledge of the water, my skills and my fitness in the water.
“The people we rescued back in 2021 were just on the sand, running in and out of the water.
“They got caught by their ankles, and then by their knees.
“If you don’t know what to look for when there’s a rip, ask someone on patrol (or check at the surf club).
“They’ll be happy to tell you.
“I always encourage people to swim between the flags.
“Make use of them; they’re there for a reason.
“Don’t leave it to chance.”
People aged over 65 represented 27 per cent of fatal drownings in the reporting period, with a 43 per cent increase in the past 20 years.
Seniors should: share the fun with someone; wear a lifejacket when on the water; check any medications don’t interfere with ability to swim; and know their limits and avoid taking risks.