Heading into the long weekend, Royal Life Saving is urging Illawarra men to ‘Make the Right Call’, when around the water with their mates and families.
Over the last decade, 2237 males have fatally drowned.
On average, 220 fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, friends drown each year.
Males continue to be over-represented, making up 82% of all drowning deaths.
Inland waterways pose higher risks for younger men aged 25 – 34 years, with 41% of all drowning in this age group occurring at rivers/creeks, and lakes/dams, in comparison, men 35 – 44 years most commonly drown at beaches (26%).
Alcohol is a significant factor for drowning in men, research shows that 25 – 34 years age group reports the highest proportion (34%) of alcohol-related drowning compared to all other age groups