AS SUMMER and the school holidays continue to roll on throughout the MIA, the risks associated with swimming have become more prevalent than ever before.
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There has been a total of 14 drowning-related deaths reported in Australia this summer, according to statistics from Royal Life Saving Australia.
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CEO Justin Scarr believes that possessing water safety skills are vital in Australia, due to our environment and love for swimming.
"We have world renowned rivers and beaches on our doorsteps, and pools in our backyards," Mr Scarr said.
"Enjoy the water this summer, but be aware of the dangers and always take care."
Supervise children. Stay close and within arm's reach of children at all times around water.
Check conditions. Check the latest weather updates before leaving for a swim, and if you are heading to the beach, assess the currents and look for rips.
Learn CPR and first aid. Resuscitation can mean the difference between life and death, so learn your lifesaving skills in case of an emergency.
Wear a life jacket. Always wear a life jacket whenever you are fishing, boating, or using a watercraft.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. Your ability to swim will be affected if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as they delay your reaction time and inhibit your ability to assess risk.
Be aware of medical conditions. Never swim alone if you are suffering from a medical condition which could affect your ability to swim.
Do not take risks. Avoid reckless behaviour around water, as accidents often result in permanent injury or death.
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