No Swimming
Surf Safety Matters - As tempting as the beaches look, surf safety is something we can’t afford to ignore. Some of the latest stats from Royal Surf Lifesaving Australia (2024) really hit home for me.
Some key stats from last year:
* 323 drowning deaths in Australia (with a population of just 27M)
* 30% were 65 years or older
* 86% of coastal drownings were male
* Coastal areas saw the most drownings, followed by inland waterways & swimming pools (half in backyard pools)
* Over half of coastal drownings happened more than 1km away from any surf lifesaving service
These numbers are more than just statistics though - they represent real people with families, friends, and lives. Fellow humans. Each one is a tragedy.
As a 65+ male who spends a lot of time exploring remote coastal areas, quite often alone (& swimming with no SLS services for km's), these numbers hit close to home. A sobering reminder that nature is powerful and can never be underestimated.
The message is simple. Stay aware, stay safe, and respect the water. That could apply to anyone anywhere, just replace "water" with "nature"!
Wishing everyone a safe and mindful week! Thanks for your comments, they are always greatly appreciated! 😊
Waterscape 11/100 for 2025.
No Swimming
Surf Safety Matters - As tempting as the beaches look, surf safety is something we can’t afford to ignore. Some of the latest stats from Royal Surf Lifesaving Australia (2024) really hit home for me.
Some key stats from last year:
* 323 drowning deaths in Australia (with a population of just 27M)
* 30% were 65 years or older
* 86% of coastal drownings were male
* Coastal areas saw the most drownings, followed by inland waterways & swimming pools (half in backyard pools)
* Over half of coastal drownings happened more than 1km away from any surf lifesaving service
These numbers are more than just statistics though - they represent real people with families, friends, and lives. Fellow humans. Each one is a tragedy.
As a 65+ male who spends a lot of time exploring remote coastal areas, quite often alone (& swimming with no SLS services for km's), these numbers hit close to home. A sobering reminder that nature is powerful and can never be underestimated.
The message is simple. Stay aware, stay safe, and respect the water. That could apply to anyone anywhere, just replace "water" with "nature"!
Wishing everyone a safe and mindful week! Thanks for your comments, they are always greatly appreciated! 😊
Waterscape 11/100 for 2025.