Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for the Republic) Share this | Hansard source

Today is the first day of summer. It's also National Water Safety Day. Summer is the peak season when most drownings occur in Australia. Summer is a time of fun and enjoying the great outdoors, including the best beaches in the world—like those in the community I represent. Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay, Yarra Bay—these are the beaches worthy of a lifetime of endless summers.

Last year across Australia, 294 people drowned at our beaches and waterways. Over summer, 101 people lost their lives due to drowning, with our hottest season accounting for 34 per cent of all drowning deaths across 2020-21. That is too many summers needlessly cut short. All drowning deaths are preventable, and one drowning is still one too many. Our leading water safety authorities, including Surf Life Saving Australia and Royal Life Saving Society Australia, are today encouraging Australians to wear red and yellow to highlight the importance of staying safe in and around the water.

After a difficult year, when we have all been locked down and we're ready to get out and enjoy our beaches and waterways, please always swim between the red and yellow flags, always obey lifesavers' instructions and never take your eyes off of children around the water. If you're fishing or boating, always wear a lifejacket. And never swim alone. Let's celebrate this summer and enjoy our great outdoors by staying safe around the water.

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