Key Tasmanian landmarks will turn blue tonight in memory of the hundreds of Australians who lose their lives to drowning each year.
Royal Life Saving Australia’s Justin Scarr said “anyone can drown, but no one should”.
“Whether you are eight months old or eighty, living in a capital city or a country town, drowning is a significant risk,” he said.
“World Drowning Prevention Day is a chance for everyone to reflect on what they can do to protect themselves and the people they love from drowning.”
Drowning deaths have been on the rise across Australia, with 339 people killed in Australian waterways in the 12 months to June 30 last year.
Scarr said supervising children, avoiding alcohol around water and wearing a life jacket when boating and fishing were all key in reducing the nation’s drowning rate.
The Hobart Waterfront, Tasman Bridge and Wrest Point are among the landmarks turning blue tonight.
