Three people have drowned off Tasmania’s coast this summer, prompting calls for beachgoers to swim only at patrolled areas.
The deaths represent a 50% increase from the state’s five-year average, according to Surf Life Saving Australia’s latest report.
All three victims were men who drowned more than one kilometre from a surf lifesaving service.
“Three families in Tasmania are now living with the devastating consequences of coastal drowning, and that is something our entire community feels deeply,” Surf Life Saving Tasmania CEO Tony van den Enden said.
The figures come as national coastal drowning deaths hit 50 over summer – equivalent to one death every two days.
However, this represents a 14% decrease from the five-year average.
Van den Enden said Tasmania’s coastline demanded respect from all beach users.
“Tasmania’s coastline is beautiful but it is also unforgiving,” he said.
“Conditions can change quickly and we urge everyone, particularly older Tasmanians who may feel confident in and around the water, to stop, assess the conditions and always choose to swim at a patrolled beach.”
Tasmanian surf lifesavers performed 18 rescues, 337 preventative actions and 73 first aid treatments.
Modelling estimates suggest these efforts saved one additional life, prevented one critical injury.
“The value our volunteers deliver to Tasmanian communities is immeasurable,” van den Enden said.
“Volunteers give up their weekends and holidays to stand watch on our beaches so that others can enjoy them safely.”
The organisation is encouraging Tasmanians to support volunteers through the inaugural Red and Yellow Day on March 4.
“Red and Yellow Day is a chance for every Tasmanian to say thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who kept our beaches safe this summer,” van den Enden said.
