Surf Lifesavers are renewing calls for safety and preparedness on the water this summer after an annual report showed increases in coastal drownings and boat accidents this year.
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In the 12 months from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, a total of 49 lives were lost on the NSW coastline, representing a 14 percent increase on last year's figure and well above the 16-year average of 42 fatalities per year.
"The increase in coastal drowning fatalities last season is very concerning," SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce said.
The figures come as part of the annual Surf Life Saving NSW Coastal Safety Report.
"The statistics in this report show that many people continue to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities along our beautiful coastline, but every life lost is one too many.
"The increase in boating fatalities highlights the need for boaters to check weather conditions before heading out and always wear a correctly fitted lifejacket when on the water," Mr Pearce said.
George Shales OAM, Surf Life Saving NSW President, said that despite the January bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic ending the patrol season four weeks early, more than 10 million beach visitations were recorded in NSW in the 12 months from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.
"Surf lifesavers and lifeguards rescued 3,186 people, treated 12,110 people for injuries or medical complaints, and performed 749,646 preventative actions," Mr Shales said.
"The statistics reinforce the need for us to push surf safety messages throughout our communities. While our volunteer lifesaving and Lifeguard services continue to be the cornerstone of our service delivery across NSW, we will continue to invest in community education programs," Mr Shales said.
Other key findings of the 2020 NSW Coastal Safety Report show that men continue to be overrepresented in coastal drownings - making up 88 percent of people who drowned. Forty-five percent of drownings occur at the beach, 22 percent of people who drowned were swimming at the time and 16 percent were rock fishing.
"Research into coastal and ocean drowning deaths continues to be a key focus for Surf Life Saving NSW to understand where, when, and why tragic incidents occur," Mr Pearce said.
The advice for anyone out on the water is straight-forward.
"Our message is simple, keep your friends and family safe by swimming at a patrolled beach, between the red and yellow flags, and wear a lifejacket when boating or rock fishing," Mr Pearce said.
