THE latest figures show the Northern Territory has the highest rate of drownings anywhere in Australia and the Katherine River has made it onto the Top 10 list for drowning hot spots.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shockingly, with 13 deaths in the past year, the Territory has a rate of drowning almost four times higher than either Queensland or New South Wales.
A new round of $4 million in funding aims to prevent more tragedy, with initiatives set to be rolled out by the Royal Life Saving Society over the next four years.
Executive director of the Royal Life Saving Society, Justin Scar, told the Katherine Times that the organisation would be partnering with local groups to develop a community action plan.
The initiatives will especially target young men, whose risk-taking behaviour around flooded inland waterways has led to tragic outcomes.
Mr Scar said that alcohol and drug use is also a factor in the high rate of drowning in the Territory.
“Impaired judgement due to alcohol or drug use can mean people over-estimate their swimming abilities,” Mr Scar said.
Some tips to ensure you stay safe in the water include always wearing a life-jacket when boating, refraining from crossing flooded waterways, supervising children when swimming and ensuring there is no alcohol near water activities.
