Page 4073 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 30 November 2022

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(2) further notes:

(a) migrants are at a far higher risk of drowning when compared to the general population;

(b) following the drowning death of beloved local Afghan man Najeeb Rafee in 2019, community groups like the Refugee and Migrant Swimming Project have been calling for the ACT Government to improve safety measures at inland waterways; and

(c) the Royal Life Saving Society is currently producing a report on safety equipment across Canberra’s river-based swimming spots; and

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) within six months of the date of the Royal Life Saving Society report, publish a plan to address risks arising from identified safety equipment shortages at ACT inland swimming spots, including emergency phones where there is no reception;

(b) review signage and safety information at popular inland swimming spots to ensure it is accessible and clear;

(d) report back to the Assembly by the last sitting day of November 2023 on progress.

Residents of our landlocked national capital have always been eager to seek some cool relief during our hot, dry summers, and our inland rivers and waterways have invariably provided that. Canberra has many beautiful places where we can swim, relax and cool down; however, that can pose safety risks.

The flat, still surface of an inland waterway can give a false sense of security. Currents, undertows or submerged objects, even in seemingly tranquil waterways, can prove to be very dangerous. It is important to be aware of the dangers and always take care around water. Remember that water conditions which may have been suitable one day can change hourly with the current.

Inland waterways are also not patrolled by lifeguards and, should someone get into trouble, there may be no-one to assist and, if they lie beyond mobile phone coverage, it can be even harder to be able to call for help when needed. When enjoying inland waterways, it is important to understand the hazards and risks involved to keep yourself and those with you safe. Some of the dangers may include strong currents and fast-flowing water, submerged objects such as rocks, snags and tree branches, slippery banks and uneven surfaces and changing seasonal patterns and floodwater.

I would like to thank and applaud the efforts of the Royal Life Saving Society for their excellent work and advocacy in terms of the safety around inland waterways. They have found that 25 per cent of drowning deaths occur in rivers and creeks. Of those, 37 per cent involved alcohol; 81 per cent of all drowning deaths in rivers and creeks were male; 72 per cent of the people who drowned in rivers and creeks lived within 100 kilometres of where they drowned; and most of these deaths involved people aged in the age bracket of 18 to 45 years.

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