Gippsland › Latest news › Life Saving Victoria
Citizen rescuers asked to know their limits to avoid drowning this summer in Gippsland waters
Alarming drowning statistics from Life Saving Victoria (LSV) have revealed that bystanders attempting to rescue someone drowning are at highest risk of drowning themselves during December.
Citizen rescuers are often not trained in how to perform a rescue in aquatic conditions, which when paired with a lack of a rescue or flotation device and the difficulty of treading water while keeping a distressed or unconscious patient afloat, can have devastating consequences. Life Saving Victoria (LSV) general manager lifesaving services Liam Krige urged would-be citizen rescuers to know and stick to their limits before racing into action in an emergency.
According to LSV's research, 28 people have drowned while attempting a rescue since 2000, with a quarter of these incidents occurring during December
Remember the rescuers first step
Mr Krige said, "It is understandable that people want to help others in trouble, but the last thing we want to see is you getting yourself into trouble, or worse. That's why anyone considering attempting a rescue must remember the first step our highly-trained lifesavers and lifeguards take, which is to check for danger, not only to the patient but to themselves and other bystanders, and consider if they have the skills to ensure they will both return to shore safely."
"That's why anyone considering attempting a rescue must remember the first step our highly-trained lifesavers and lifeguards take, which is to check for danger, not only to the patient but to themselves and other bystanders, and consider if they have the skills to ensure they will both return to shore safely."
"If you believe you have the right skills, it is also imperative you have equipment such as a surfboard or boogie board to keep yourself and the patient afloat." Mr Krige said.
Alert the local lifesavers
Mr Krige said if you are not confident in the water or don't have a flotation device, you can still help someone in distress by leaving the rescuing to the experts by alerting local lifesavers or phoning Triple Zero.
"The importance of sending for help in an emergency situation cannot be overstated. If you are at all in doubt about attempting a rescue, don't put yourself at risk, and instead alert lifesavers or lifeguards if present or phone Triple Zero."
"Tragically, 18 people have already drowned in Victorian waters since 1 July. We don't want to see this number increase this summer, so please, make your safety a priority this summer and beyond." Mr Krige said.
Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Community feedback wanted on new policy for celebrating significant dates in Baw Baw Shire by 31 May 2024
Latrobe City Candlelight Vigil honoured domestic violence in 2024
Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 17 April 2024
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to ground
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024