I write to you in my capacity as the CEO of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, a charity dedicated to reducing drowning and turning everyday people into everyday community lifesavers.
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We want to highlight to your readers that there is now a significant and growing issue in relation to drowning among older people in Australia.
Royal Life Saving has just released new research. It shows that in the past 10 years, 1072 people aged 50 years and over died as a result of drowning during the period 2002-03 to 2011-12.
This is extremely concerning. It represents 36 per cent of all drowning deaths that have taken place in Australia during this period.
Alcohol was known to be involved in 37 per cent of all drowning deaths amongst people aged 50 plus.
Older men are three times more likely to drown than women. Inland waterways - rivers, creeks, lakes and dams - actually account for the biggest proportion of drowning deaths amongst older people.
To lose a parent or grandparent to drowning is an absolute tragedy. We ask all communities to help us with this issue. Similar efforts that have been successful in reducing child drowning now have to be applied to stop drownings in people over the age of 55.
People need to act responsibly around water and avoid any behaviour that may increase the risk of drowning. Be aware of your limitations.
Carefully consider the impact of any medical conditions you may have. Never mix alcohol with water. Always wear a lifejacket and learn lifesaving skills.
On a practical basis we ask people to talk with their parents and grandparents and have "the talk" about these issues. This could literally save a life.
We urge readers can get more information by going to www.royallifesaving.com.au/thetalk
