Key Points
- Around 25 per cent of fatal drownings in Australia occur in the days between Christmas and 2 January.
- Culturally and linguistically diverse beachgoers are overrepresented in fatal drowning statistics.
- A 2022 study found almost half of overseas-born beachgoers had no understanding of common English beach safety terms.
Throughout the summer festive season, long days at the beach and other waterways are an Australian tradition.
Unfortunately, it's also a high-risk period for drowning deaths, with the days between Christmas and 2 January typically accounting for about 25 per cent of the nation's annual total.
At least 30 people have drowned since 1 December this year, according to the Royal Life Saving Society's .
Some demographics are overrepresented in these statistics, with culturally and linguistically diverse beachgoers facing additional barriers when it comes to beach safety.
Now, surf lifesavers and advocates are issuing urgent reminders to help beachgoers take the right precautions and reduce the number of fatalities over the holiday period.
The most dangerous time of the year
Steven Pearce, chief executive officer at Surf Lifesaving NSW, reinforced the message that the Christmas and New Year period was the most dangerous time of year for beach safety.
"Statistically, over the Christmas festive period, you're twice as likely to drown on a New South Wales coastline than any other time," he told SBS News.
"And that's predominantly because we get so many people coming down recreating on the beaches now and visiting at locations where they're just not used to those local conditions."
Last summer there were 90 fatal drownings in Australia, 39 of which were people aged 35 to 64 years old.
More than 50 per cent of deaths occurred on the coast, while 37 per cent were in inland waterways.
Royal Life Saving chief executive officer Justin Scarr said alcohol was often a factor in drownings and he urged men in particular to take care.
"Men need to remember that alcohol can affect choices and skills around the water — too often with tragic consequences," he said.
"Alcohol was present in more than a quarter of drowning deaths last summer so we're urging people to make the right call and leave the beers until after swimming, boating or fishing."
CALD beachgoers 'overrepresented' in drowning statistics
Pearce said culturally and linguistically diverse beachgoers can face additional challenges when it comes to beach safety and are often overrepresented in drowning statistics.
In 2022, research by former lifesaver and lecturer in Japanese Studies Masaki Shibata found almost half of Australian and overseas-born beachgoers either misunderstand or do not read standard beach safety warnings.
Shibata also found almost half of the overseas-born beachgoers had no understanding of some beach safety terms such as high surf, shore dump, or bluebottle.
Pearce said Surf Lifesaving NSW is working to address beach safety for CALD communities through rock fishing education, training programs targeted at CALD communities, and visits to schools and migrant resource centres to speak to communities in language.
"It's really important that to engage those communities to participate in those programs, you have to build that trust and that rapport," he said.
"You also have to have that accessibility to enable the communities to be able to access these programs in locations where they reside."
Brooke Hanson, Olympic gold and silver medallist and ambassador for AUSTSWIM, a national organisation for the teaching of swimming and water safety, said many people who come to Australia as adults may not be confident swimmers or familiar with Australian beach conditions.
"If you're living in Australia and you're surrounded by water, it's been great to see so many people put their kids into swim lessons," she said.
"But we also have to realise that there are so many migrant groups coming as young adults and also as older adults.
"It's been really good to see the number of people learning to swim, but we have to make sure that we're getting every single Australian to learn those important skills when it comes to being able to save yourself if you're in trouble."
How can you stay safe at the beach?
With a hot summer forecast over the coming months, millions of people are expected to flock to beaches around Australia.
Scarr told Channel Nine's Today program the holiday period is the busiest time of year on Australian waterways.
He urged people to remain alert around water and understand the impact of weather conditions.
"Always wear a lifejacket when boating or on watercraft and avoid alcohol around water," he said.
"Survey the local conditions. It's important you understand what the weather conditions are and the impact they will have on your safety."
According to Surf Lifesaving Australia, it's best to research the beach and conditions before heading out for a day on the water.
Beachgoers are also advised to download the Beachsafe App, always swim at open patrolled beaches, be aware of hazards, and wear sun protection.
Pearce said anybody swimming at an unpatrolled or isolated location should make sure to have a plan, mobile phone connection, and a flotation device.
"It's going to be a long, hot summer (and) our lifesavers and lifeguards will be on duty right throughout that period," he said.
"But if you do decide to go to a location where we don't have lifesavers there, make sure you just have that plan before you leave the house."
