As holiday goers and locals alike ascend to the Murray River or backyard pools with temperatures soaring, the need and importance to look out for your mates and respect the environment rises.
“There will be an increase in police presence with a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behavior,” Corowa Police sergeant Garry Lewis told The Free Press.
“We’ll be enforcing local alcohol free zones on the day.
“People must also remember and understand the dangers of the Murray River. Alcohol and the water don’t mix.
“Police will be conducting patrols of the Murray River at Corowa in conjunction with NSW Maritime, conducting boat safety checks and random breath testing.
“Local police encourage people to celebrate the weekend in a responsible manner, having consideration of the safety and comfort of others.”
New data from Royal Life Saving Society – Australia reveals that 2,760 men lost their lives due to drowning in the past 15 years.
Of those deaths, 18 per cent are known to have had a contributory level of alcohol in their system. This figure has the potential to be higher, given that the blood alcohol content was unknown in a further 42 per cent of cases.
The combination of warmer weather and celebrations around water can be deadly, with January recording the highest number of alcohol related drowning deaths.
In the lead up to the Australia Day long weekend, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia with support of the Federal Government, is launching the ‘Don’t Let Your Mates Drink and Drown’ campaign, to remind men of the serious risks surrounding alcohol consumption near water.
CEO Justin Scarr said he is deeply concerned about the high level of intoxication of particularly men when in and around waterways.
“A culture of risk-taking behaviour by men around water can be dangerous, and when combined with alcohol, can be fatal,” he said.
“Look out for your mates, leave the booze until safely away from the water, and pull them into line if they’re under the influence and thinking about swimming or boating. You can literally save their life.”
Royal Life Saving recommends the following safety tips to keep your mates safe around waterways:
1. Avoid entering the water after drinking alcohol.
2. Know your limits.
3. Never swim alone.
4. Learn how to resuscitate.
You can learn more by visiting this link: www.royallifesaving.com.au/lookoutforyourmates.