Loddon Mallee Residents at Higher Risk of Drowning

In the picturesque Loddon Mallee region, the residents who call these landscapes home are falling victim to the waters they know and love.?

It’s a grim reality that over 80% of people who drown in the Loddon Mallee are not visitors, but locals. It's not the reckless adventurer but the everyday person, the neighbour, the friend, the family member, in an unexpected moment around water that ends in tragedy.?

Confronting the Barriers

In an attempt to reverse the issue, Life Saving Victoria partnered with Royal Life Saving – Australia , to identify the barriers facing the people of Loddon Mallee and create awareness of water safety.?

Dr. Hannah Calverley, Manager of Research and Evaluation at Life Saving Victoria, says the data speaks volumes about the overlooked risks in our own backyard.

“Surprisingly, a significant portion of individuals who lost their lives in water-related incidents didn't plan to enter the water at all. A misstep, a stumble, and a fall is all it takes to turn an ordinary moment into a life-altering event,” Dr Calverley said.?

“We aim to confront this issue head-on, educating the people of the Loddon Mallee region to advocate for their personal safety when visiting waterways.?

Residents need to be mindful of the dangers surrounding them when heading out for a walk, or even in their own backyard.”?

The lifeblood of the region’s agriculture is the most common location for drownings - dams. It is a reminder of the hidden hazards in seemingly peaceful environments, and the importance of staying vigilant to the potential risks that water bodies, such as dams, pose."

What's Next?

While the research shows how and where the incidents are occurring, there is also evidence about why.??

In Victoria, the mix of alcohol and water has proven fatal, with 67% of alcohol-related drownings occurring in inland waterways. It’s a dangerous cocktail that has clouded judgment and led to irreversible consequences.?

There is also the impact of medical conditions and medications which can impair judgment, coordination, and physical abilities, increasing the risk of accidents in aquatic environments. Visiting your doctor regularly for a check-up, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, is an important part of advocating for your health and safety.?

For more information about the Loddon Mallee Blackspot project:?https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/make-the-right-call-loddon-mallee?