Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator O'Sullivan for his question and for his interest in this critical issue. Every year the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's national drowning report examines unintentional drowning deaths in Australia. The recent 2014 report shows that 266 people drowned in Australian waterways during the 2013-14 financial year. This is the lowest number of drowning deaths recorded in the past 12 years, but it needs to be lower.

Inland waterways continue to claim the largest number of lives with 105 people tragically drowning in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams around the country. Swimming pools have overtaken beaches as the second highest number of drowning deaths with 39 deaths compared to 34. Sadly, children under five continue to account for a large proportion of fatalities in swimming pools.

The report states that preventing drowning deaths is a collective responsibility. Government can and will do its part but families and communities can take simple steps to reduce drowning risk factors. First and foremost, 47 per cent of people who drowned in 2013-14 had positive readings for alcohol at the time. The consumption of alcohol dramatically increases the risk of drowning because it impairs judgement. The Australian government and the RLSSA strongly encourage Australians not to swim under the influence of alcohol.

The report reiterates that home swimming pools must have a complaint pool fence with a self-closing and self latching gate. Children need basic swimming and water safety skills. Australians should swim at patrolled beaches during patrol times and swim between the flags.

I want to thank the RLSSA for delivering this crucial report which provides evidence on how Australia is tracking in relation to drowning prevention and where we need to focus our efforts.